MANHATTAN – Michael Gann, a New York man, is facing federal charges after allegedly manufacturing and deploying at least seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) throughout Manhattan. The devices, constructed from chemicals ordered online, were reportedly stored on the roofs of residential buildings in the SoHo neighborhood, with one brazenly thrown onto the subway tracks of the Williamsburg Bridge. Gann was arrested June 5, 2025, with a seventh IED recovered from his person.
The announcement came jointly from U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. According to court filings, Gann ordered approximately two pounds of potassium perchlorate and one pound of aluminum powder in May 2025 – key precursor chemicals for creating explosive mixtures – alongside cardboard tubes and over 50 feet of fuses. He then allegedly mixed the chemicals, tested the mixture with a flame causing an explosion, and assembled the IEDs.
The devices weren’t just theoretical. Authorities allege Gann stored at least five IEDs, along with four shotgun shells intended for combination with the explosives, on the rooftops of SoHo apartment buildings. One of the recovered devices contained approximately 30 grams of explosive powder – a staggering 600 times the legal limit for consumer fireworks. The most alarming act, however, was the deliberate placement of a sixth IED directly onto active subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge. Thankfully, law enforcement intervention prevented any detonation and potential mass casualties.
“The safety of New Yorkers is paramount,” stated U.S. Attorney 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.” Raia echoed the sentiment, highlighting the “successful partnership of law enforcement agencies” that led to Gann’s swift arrest. Commissioner Tisch emphasized that Gann “traveled to New York City with these deadly devices” and that the response from the NYPD and FBI was crucial in averting disaster.
Following his arrest, Gann allegedly attempted to mislead investigators, falsely claiming he had disposed of the remaining precursor chemicals and shotgun shells in a Manhattan dumpster. Internet searches conducted by Gann in May and June 2025 further revealed his preoccupation with explosives and firearms, including queries related to passing background checks for gun purchases. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho. Gann’s motives remain under investigation.
This incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals capable of manufacturing homemade explosives and attempting to disrupt public safety. The collaborative effort between federal and local law enforcement agencies proved critical in neutralizing the danger posed by Michael Gann. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops, bringing you the unvarnished truth from the streets and the courts.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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