A suspect plotted to place at least seven improvised explosives across New York City, including on a subway track on the Williamsburg Bridge and a Manhattan apartment rooftop, according to law enforcement.
Michael Gann, 55, of New York City, allegedly ordered chemicals that can be combined to make explosives, built seven devices and placed six of them before he was stopped by law enforcement, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to the indictment, Gann’s alleged bombs were far more powerful than any legally-obtainable consumer explosive, containing “approximately 30 grams of explosive powder, which is approximately 600 times the legal limit for consumer fireworks.”
Police allegedly have surveillance footage showing Gann placing his devices on rooftops in Manhattan.
According to prosecutors, Gann ordered two pounds of potassium perchlorate, a pound of aluminum powder, more than 200 cardboard tubes, more than 50 feet of fuses, and other, unspecific items that can be used for bomb building on May 30.
Gann allegedly received the materials on June 4, and prosecutors say he tested them by combining the perchlorate and and aluminum powder to create an explosion. The following day, he then allegedly transported the materials to Manhattan and built the bombs. Five of the explosives were found on Manhattan rooftops, one was found on the subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge, and another was found, allegedly, on Gann’s person after his arrest.
He’s being 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.
If convicted, Gann will face a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
Police did not share a possible motive for the bombing, but did share troubling social media posts he allegedly made prior to his arrest.
In one difficult to parse message sent in March, a social media account believed to be operated by Gann asks President Donald Trump if he would bomb New York City.
“Dear @POTUS, I’m thinking just now here in NYC that it’s too bad that the wall wasn’t built before the National Guard would have to come here for the Protests and Riotation [sic] or would you just drop a bomb on this place while and because they seem to be coming and coming?” he wrote.
The tone and intent of the message is unclear.
One June 5, just hours before his arrest, a post on Gann’s Instagram account asked followers “who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?”
Investigators who probed into his digital life also allegedly found troubling searches that included queries like “will i pass a background check,” “3D gun printing,” “clorine [sic] bomb” and “pyro supplies.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher Raia praised the success of the investigation, noting that “Gann was swiftly brought to justice before he could harm innocent civilians shortly after his dangerous actions became known.”