Federal authorities under FBI Director Kash Patel have foiled a plot by a disturbed individual who had already begun placing bombs in high-risk areas throughout New York City.
The arrest brought relief to a city still reeling from the recent shooting of an off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent by a violent illegal migrant. According to U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York, the suspect had constructed improvised explosive devices and targeted vulnerable locations, including subway tracks and building rooftops.
Michael Gann, 55, of Inwood, has been charged with manufacturing at least seven improvised explosive devices using chemicals he legally obtained online, according to the prosecutor. While authorities have not disclosed how Gann was identified, federal agencies routinely monitor the purchase of certain substances—such as ammonium nitrate—for signs they may be used in terrorist activities.
“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,” Clayton said in a statement.
According to the indictment, Michael Gann allegedly hurled one of his homemade explosives onto the Williamsburg Bridge subway tracks and began hiding additional IEDs and shotgun shells on the rooftops of several Manhattan apartment buildings. Authorities intercepted him on June 5 and discovered an explosive device in his possession during a search. Earlier that day, Gann had posted a cryptic message on social media.
