By Thomas Montana
A 55-year-old Inwood man has been charged for allegedly making and attempting to use explosive devices in Manhattan, according to an indictment filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York.
Around May, Michael Gann allegedly ordered approximately two pounds of potassium perchlorate and approximately one pound of aluminum powder online, along with over 200 cardboard tubes and over 50 feet worth of fuses. The following month, Gann received the packages containing the precursor chemicals and other supplies, allegedly mixed them together, applied a flame to the mixture and caused an explosion. Gann allegedly assembled at least seven improvised explosive devices (IED) using the chemicals, cardboard tubes and fuses. Gann stored the precursor chemicals and at least five IEDs on the rooftops of residential apartment buildings in SoHo.
Along with the explosives, at least four shotgun shells were reportedly stored on the same rooftops. Gann also allegedly threw six IEDs onto subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge.
On June 5, law enforcement agents arrested Gann in SoHo. Following the arrest, Gann allegedly lied to law enforcement, telling them that he had disposed of the chemicals and shotgun shells in a dumpster in Manhattan.
Sometime between May and June, Gann allegedly conducted internet searches related to explosives and firearms, including: “will i pass a background check,” “gun background check test,” “can i buy a gun in any state without ffl [federal firearms license],” “3D gun printing,” “gun stores,” “clorine [sic] bomb,” “how to make flash powder from household items,” “what to mix with potassium perchlorate to make flash powder,” “alluminum [sic] powder,” “black powder nearby,” “quarter stick m1000 firecracker,” “1/2 stick dynamite,” and “rechargeable nail gun to shoot into steal [sic].”
Gann is charged with one count of attempted destruction of property by means of explosives, one count of transportation of explosive materials and one count of unlawful possession of destructive devices.
“The safety of New Yorkers is paramount,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “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. Thanks to swift work by our law enforcement partners, no one was harmed. That vigilance assuredly prevented a tragedy in New York.”
“Michael Gann allegedly produced multiple improvised explosive devices intended for use in Manhattan,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “Due to the successful partnership of law enforcement agencies in New York, Gann was swiftly brought to justice before he could harm innocent civilians shortly after his dangerous actions became known. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is enduring in its commitment and determination to protect the homeland.”
“This defendant allegedly stockpiled homemade explosives and traveled to New York City with these deadly devices,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “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. I am grateful to the members of the NYPD, FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for all the work they do every day to keep New Yorkers safe.”