MANHATTAN – Two Bronx residents are facing serious federal charges after a disturbing cache of explosive materials was discovered in their home, authorities announced today. CHRISTIAN TORO, 27, and TYLER TORO, 27, were presented in Manhattan federal court and immediately detained, accused of manufacturing destructive devices and stockpiling materials for a potential attack. The investigation began following a bomb threat at a Harlem high school, a threat that now appears connected to the Toro brothers’ dangerous obsession.
The case unfolded after CHRISTIAN TORO resigned from his teaching position at the Harlem school following a bomb threat incident. Shortly after, his brother, TYLER TORO, returned a school-owned laptop. A chilling discovery was made on that laptop – a manual detailing how to construct explosive devices. This prompted further investigation, revealing that CHRISTIAN TORO allegedly paid students roughly $50 an hour to dismantle fireworks and collect the resulting powder, a key component in homemade explosives.
On February 15, 2018, a search warrant was executed at the brothers’ Bronx residence. What agents found was deeply unsettling: approximately 20 pounds of iron oxide, five pounds of aluminum powder, and a mixture identified as thermite. Also recovered were five pounds of potassium nitrate, a jar filled with explosive powder, and a box of firecrackers. The scale of the operation suggests this wasn’t just experimentation – it was preparation.
Adding to the disturbing evidence, investigators uncovered a handwritten diary belonging to TYLER TORO. The diary contained ominous statements, including “WE ARE TWIN TOROS STRIKE US NOW, WE WILL RETURN WITH NANO THERMITE” and “I AM HERE 100%, LIVING, BUYING WEAPONS. WHATEVER WE NEED.” A backpack belonging to CHRISTIAN TORO held an index card with the chilling phrase: “UNDER THE FULL MOON THE SMALL ONES WILL KNOW TERROR.” These statements paint a disturbing picture of intent.
CHRISTIAN TORO is charged with one count of unlawfully manufacturing a destructive device, in violation of 26 U.S.C. §§ 5822, 5861(f), and 5871 and 18 U.S.C. § 2, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. He also faces a charge of distribution of explosive materials to a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 842(d)(1), also carrying a potential 10-year sentence. TYLER TORO is charged with one count of unlawfully manufacturing a destructive device, with the same 10-year maximum penalty. The ultimate sentences will be determined by the judge.
“The outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists principally of agents of the FBI and detectives of the NYPD,” was praised by U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit, with Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Hanft leading the charge. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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