A Manhattan man with a lengthy criminal past is now looking at federal terrorism charges after he crafted homemade explosives and distributed them throughout New York City.
NYC man arrested before setting off homemade explosives
Michael Gann, 55, was taken into custody on June 5 in the SoHo neighborhood while allegedly carrying a functioning improvised explosive device (IED) in his shoulder bag.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the arrest occurred shortly after he allegedly hurled another bomb onto the Williamsburg Bridge subway tracks and hid multiple additional explosive devices on nearby rooftops.
Federal prosecutors allege that Gann constructed seven IEDs using chemicals he purchased online, including potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder.
The devices, some of which were loaded with shotgun shells, were described as highly dangerous and capable of causing serious harm.
“As alleged, Michael Gann built explosive devices, stored them on a rooftop in SoHo, and threw one onto the subway tracks – putting countless lives at risk,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton.
“Thanks to swift work by our law enforcement partners, no one was harmed. That vigilance assuredly prevented a tragedy in New York.”
Manhattan man made homemade explosives from online tutorials
The IEDs were allegedly built using cardboard tubes, fuses, and explosive materials he researched online.
Court documents reveal that Gann had tried out his homemade chemical mixtures at least twice in June.
Investigators say Gann stored five of the explosive devices on residential rooftops in SoHo for his future use.
A sixth device was reportedly tossed onto subway tracks, and a seventh was discovered inside the bag he carried at the time of his apprehension.
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Just prior to his arrest, Gann posted an ominous message to Instagram, writing, “Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?”
Federal authorities also referenced a disturbing social media message Gann posted in March, in which he tagged the official @POTUS account on X.
“Dear @POTUS, I’m thinking just now here in NYC that it’s too bad that the wall wasn’t built before the National Guard would have to come here for the Protests and Riotation or would you just drop a bomb on this place while and because they seem to be coming and coming,” he wrote.
He reportedly used artificial intelligence programs and online tutorials to study bomb-making techniques.
Investigators believe he was staying with someone in the Inwood section of Manhattan prior to his arrest.
At some point, Gann allegedly tried to return the explosive chemicals to the supplier, even asking the company how to safely get rid of the materials.
When officers apprehended him on June 5, Gann was carrying a shoulder bag containing a homemade bomb, binoculars, a torch lighter, and a pocketknife.
According to court filings, Gann warned law enforcement not to ignite anything near the bag, saying, “there could be a big fireball.”
Authorities allege that Gann attempted to mislead investigators by claiming he had disposed of the remaining chemicals and shells in a Manhattan dumpster.
However, additional materials were later discovered in a trash container located in Chelsea.
Suspect has a lengthy rap sheet
Gann has around 30 prior arrests and three felony convictions, according to investigators.
Gann now faces multiple federal charges, including one count of attempted destruction of property by means of explosives, which carries a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison.
He also faces charges for transportation of explosive materials and unlawful possession of destructive devices, each of which could result in up to 10 years behind bars.
A man who claimed to know Gann personally said he wasn’t shocked by the accusations.
“He always got involved in things, you know, like he shot himself once, he had a rifle, I don’t know how he got a hold of a rifle, he kept it in his pants and he went to take it out and it went off and he shot his foot,” the acquaintance recounted.
The same man said he had known Gann for years and had allowed him to receive mail at his address in Inwood up until just a few weeks ago.
“The last time I saw him is when I chased him off my property, when he had that package that was delivered here, and I found out what he had, I told him to take it and get away from here,” the man said to Eyewitness News.
He told authorities it was the contents of that package that finally caused alarm.
“He had a powder and then some kind of oxidizer, I really didn’t know what it was until he told me it was that it was an explosive,” he added.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch praised the rapid coordination of law enforcement.
“This defendant allegedly stockpiled homemade explosives and traveled to New York City with these deadly devices,” she stated.
“But because of the skilled investigative work and swift response from the NYPD and our partners, we were able to intervene before he caused any harm.”
