INWOOD, NY – A 55-year-old Inwood man is facing serious federal charges after authorities uncovered a disturbing plan involving multiple homemade explosive devices placed in densely populated areas of New York City.
Michael Gann, a Long Island resident, was indicted this week on several federal counts following an investigation that spanned multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, NYPD, and Nassau County Police. According to officials, Gann allegedly built and attempted to deploy at least seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) throughout Manhattan.
The investigation began after Gann purchased large quantities of bomb-making materials online in May, including potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder – both common components in explosive mixtures. He also allegedly obtained cardboard tubing and hobby fuses to complete the devices. Surveillance and intercepted shipments helped authorities track his activity.
Prosecutors allege that Gann placed five of these IEDs on rooftops of residential buildings in SoHo. He is also accused of hurling at least one device onto subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge, placing commuters and infrastructure at extreme risk.
Authorities moved in on June 5, arresting Gann on a SoHo rooftop where they found another explosive device in his possession. He had reportedly misled law enforcement during questioning, claiming he had thrown away the devices, which prompted further investigation and the discovery of the explosives.
One of the recovered devices reportedly contained over 30 grams of explosive powder – more than 600 times the amount legally permitted in consumer fireworks, highlighting the potential devastation had the devices been triggered.
Gann is now facing a federal indictment on three serious charges: attempted destruction of property using explosives, unlawful transportation of explosive materials, and illegal possession of destructive devices. If convicted on all counts, he faces up to 40 years in federal prison.
Officials have not disclosed a motive, and no known connections to organized groups or ideology have been identified at this time.
Law enforcement credited coordinated efforts across multiple agencies for identifying the threat before any devices could be detonated. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York emphasized the swift response that led to Gann’s arrest and the safe disposal of the bombs.
The case remains under investigation.
Top Questions & Answers About the Michael Gann Bomb Plot Case
Q1: Who is Michael Gann?
A: Michael Gann is a 55-year-old man from Inwood, Long Island. Federal prosecutors allege he built and attempted to deploy multiple homemade explosive devices in various parts of Manhattan.
Q2: What is he accused of doing?
A: Gann allegedly purchased bomb-making materials online, assembled improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and placed them on rooftops of residential buildings and near subway tracks in Manhattan.
Q3: How many bombs were involved?
A: Authorities say he built at least seven IEDs. Five were recovered from SoHo rooftops, one was allegedly thrown onto subway tracks, and one was found on Gann himself at the time of arrest.
Q4: Where exactly were the devices placed?
A: Five devices were found on SoHo rooftops. Another was allegedly thrown onto active subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge, posing a threat to commuters.
Q5: What materials were used to make the bombs?
A: Gann reportedly used chemicals such as potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder, along with cardboard tubes and hobby fuses – all ordered online.
Q6: Was anyone hurt?
A: No injuries or detonations were reported. The devices were intercepted and disabled by law enforcement before they could cause harm.
Q7: What charges does he face?
A: Gann is charged with attempted destruction of property using explosives, unlawful transportation of explosive materials, and illegal possession of destructive devices.
Q8: How much prison time could he face?
A: If convicted on all counts and sentenced consecutively, Gann could face up to 40 years in federal prison.
Q9: Did he have a motive or political agenda?
A: Authorities have not disclosed a specific motive, and no known connections to extremist groups have been identified. However, prosecutors say Gann had searched online for bomb-making instructions and posted cryptic messages on social media shortly before placing the devices.
Q10: How was he caught?
A: Surveillance, intercepted shipments, and coordinated investigations by federal and local agencies led to his arrest on June 5 in SoHo. He was allegedly carrying another IED when apprehended.
