A New York man has been indicted for allegedly plotting to detonate homemade explosives at various locations across New York City. Fifty-five-year-old Michael Gann constructed at least seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) last month, using chemicals he purchased online.
Arrest and Charges
Gann, a resident of Long Island, was arrested near the residential buildings where he reportedly stored some of the devices. According to prosecutors, he threw one IED onto the subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge, raising significant safety concerns.
Thankfully, none of the devices resulted in injuries, but authorities acted swiftly to apprehend Gann, who had one of the explosives in his possession at the time of his arrest in June.
Details of the Devices
The indictment revealed that in May 2025, Gann ordered approximately two pounds of potassium perchlorate and one pound of aluminum powder—key ingredients for making explosives—along with over 200 cardboard tubes and 50 feet of fuses. “In or about early June 2025, GANN received his packages containing the precursor chemicals and other supplies, mixed the precursor chemicals together, applied a flame to the mixture, and caused an explosion,” the court filings noted.
According to the indictment, Gann stored at least five IEDs on the rooftops of residential buildings in SoHo. One of the devices contained approximately 30 grams of explosive powder, which is about 600 times the legal limit for consumer fireworks.
Putting Lives at Risk
In a statement, Jay Clayton, interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, emphasized the danger Gann posed. “The safety of New Yorkers is paramount,” said 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.”
Gann faces serious charges, including attempted destruction of property by means of explosives, transportation of explosive materials, and unlawful possession of destructive devices. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 40 years in prison. Following a bail hearing, a judge ordered Gann to be detained, and his lawyer, Martin Cohen, has not commented on the situation.
Law Enforcement Response
Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI, commended the quick response from law enforcement. “Michael Gann allegedly produced multiple improvised explosive devices intended for use in Manhattan,” he noted. “Thanks to the successful collaboration of law enforcement agencies in New York, Gann was swiftly brought to justice before he could harm innocent civilians.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch also addressed the incident, stating, “This defendant allegedly stockpiled homemade explosives and traveled to New York City with these deadly devices. 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.”
