A chilling case has come to light in New York City, as federal prosecutors have brought serious charges against Michael Gann, a 55-year-old resident of Inwood. Gann is accused of building and attempting to detonate multiple homemade explosive devices in various parts of Manhattan, particularly in the densely populated SoHo neighborhood and near the busy Williamsburg Bridge.
The allegations, detailed in a recently unsealed indictment, reveal a methodical and dangerous scheme that could have endangered countless lives in one of the world’s most crowded cities.
Authorities describe Michael Gann as a man who not only possessed the knowledge and materials to create destructive devices but also demonstrated intent to deploy them. His actions have sparked alarm among city residents, officials, and law enforcement alike, raising questions about public safety, bomb-making accessibility, and the potential for lone-wolf domestic threats in urban centers.
Danger Lurking on Rooftops and Subway Tracks
The scope of Michael Gann’s activities is particularly troubling because of the locations he chose to hide and potentially deploy his devices. Prosecutors say he transported his homemade bombs to rooftops of residential buildings in SoHo, a neighborhood known for its art galleries, fashion boutiques, and crowded pedestrian streets.
In a shocking act, Gann allegedly threw one of his devices onto the subway tracks of the Williamsburg Bridge, which connects Manhattan and Brooklyn and sees thousands of commuters daily. Authorities emphasize that while no injuries were reported, the potential for tragedy was high.
One device reportedly contained an ounce of explosive material—an amount roughly 600 times greater than what’s legally permitted in consumer fireworks. The implications are grave: a blast of such magnitude in a confined subway setting or densely packed city street could have caused significant casualties, property damage, and widespread panic.
Michael Gann allegedly stockpiled homemade explosives and traveled to New York City with these deadly devices.
— NYPDCounterterrorism (@NYPDCT) July 23, 2025
Thanks to the investigative work and swift action of the NYPD and our partners in the Joint Terrorism Taskforce, we were able to intervene before he caused any harm. pic.twitter.com/R0XHxr7EHe
Interim U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton condemned the alleged acts in a public statement, underscoring the danger posed by Gann’s actions. “As alleged, Michael Gann built explosive devices, stored them on a rooftop in SoHo, and threw one on to the subway tracks—putting countless lives at risk,” Clayton said.
The federal indictment includes three counts: attempted destruction of property using explosives, transporting explosive materials, and illegal possession of destructive devices. If convicted on all charges and sentenced consecutively, Gann could face up to 40 years in federal prison.
A Calculated Operation Fueled by Online Purchases and Research
The indictment paints a picture of premeditation and planning. In May 2025, Michael Gann allegedly ordered two pounds of potassium perchlorate and one pound of aluminum powder—substances commonly used in the manufacture of explosive devices. He also acquired over 200 cardboard tubes and more than 50 feet of fuse, suggesting an intent to produce multiple bombs.
Read : Suicide Bomb Attack at Mar Elias Church in Damascus Kills 25
Investigators believe Michael Gann tested the materials by igniting a sample, confirming their explosive potential before assembling at least seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These were not rudimentary or accidental constructions; the process involved a chemical reaction requiring precise handling and knowledge, which prosecutors suggest Gann obtained through his internet activity.
Indeed, part of the evidence includes disturbing search history retrieved from Gann’s devices. His search queries reveal a deep dive into the world of firearms and explosives, including phrases like “will i pass a background check,” “gun background check test,” “3D gun printing,” “chlorine bomb,” “1/2 stick dynamite,” and “how to make flash powder from household items.” The volume and nature of these searches demonstrate not only an interest but a likely effort to skirt regulations and acquire knowledge discreetly.
This digital footprint served as a crucial element in building the federal case against him. Authorities argue that Michael Gann’s online behavior was not academic or out of mere curiosity, but rather part of a broader effort to plan and carry out a campaign involving dangerous explosives in public spaces.
Arrest and Aftermath
The investigation culminated with Michael Gann’s arrest on or around June 5, near the same SoHo rooftops where he had reportedly hidden several of the devices. Officers discovered a seventh explosive device on his person at the time of arrest, adding further urgency and gravity to the situation.
Even after being taken into custody, Gann reportedly attempted to mislead investigators. According to the indictment, he falsely claimed that he had disposed of the explosives and related materials in a dumpster. This statement proved untrue, as law enforcement agents later recovered some of the devices hidden across rooftops and on his person.
The fact that Gann was in possession of a live device at the time of his arrest indicates that the situation could have escalated quickly had authorities not intervened when they did. The coordinated efforts of federal and local law enforcement likely averted a potential disaster.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a clear motive behind Gann’s actions, nor have they indicated any known affiliations with extremist organizations. This lack of clarity leaves many questions unanswered. Was Gann acting as part of a larger plan? Was this a form of protest, revenge, or driven by mental instability? These questions are now at the center of ongoing investigations, as officials seek to understand the full scope of the threat Michael Gann posed.
In response to the charges, residents and officials in the affected neighborhoods have expressed both relief and concern. Relief that the suspect is in custody before any harm was done, but concern about the ease with which someone can obtain dangerous chemicals and explosive-making materials online and operate largely undetected in a bustling metropolis.
This case highlights the vulnerabilities of urban infrastructure, especially in places where public transport and rooftops can be easily accessed. In a city like New York, where millions depend on subways and shared spaces daily, the stakes are unimaginably high when even one individual decides to take violent action.
Going forward, there may be increased scrutiny over online chemical sales and renewed efforts to track unusual purchases or internet activity indicative of explosive manufacturing. It may also prompt building owners and residents to become more vigilant about rooftop access and activity in their surroundings.
The story of Michael Gann serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present need for vigilance, coordination, and swift response in safeguarding our cities from both external and internal threats. As the legal process unfolds, the public will be watching closely to understand what drove Gann to carry out such a dangerous operation—and what can be done to prevent similar cases in the future.