A New York man is facing federal charges after allegedly constructing and concealing homemade bombs throughout Manhattan, including on active subway tracks and residential rooftops.
Michael Gann, 55, from Inwood, was charged on Tuesday with creating at least seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using chemicals he purchased online, as reported by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton.
“The safety of New Yorkers is paramount,” said Clayton.
“As alleged, Michael Gann assembled explosive devices, stored them on a rooftop in SoHo, and hurled one onto the subway tracks—endangering countless lives. Thanks to the swift actions of our law enforcement partners, no one was injured. Their vigilance certainly averted a tragedy in New York,” Clayton stated.
Michael Gann is seen in this undated photo allegedly holding several homemade explosive devices. The image was included in federal court filings following his arrest on June 5. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York)
“This defendant allegedly stockpiled homemade explosives and traveled to New York City with these deadly devices,” Tisch said in the release.
“He threw one of these devices onto an active subway track and stored others on the rooftop of a residential building, 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.”
A suspected improvised explosive device lies on the Williamsburg Bridge subway tracks, as seen in this image released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Michael Gann allegedly threw the device onto active tracks before his arrest. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York)
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan L. Bodansky, Michael D. Lockard, and Chelsea L. Scism, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Isaacson are in charge of the prosecution.
Gann is charged with one count of attempted destruction of property by means of explosives (mandatory minimum five years, maximum 20), one count of transportation of explosive materials (maximum 10), and one count of unlawful possession of destructive devices (maximum 10).
