Feds Indict New York Man For Plot To Detonate Homemade Bombs In Manhattan

A New York man was indicted on Tuesday for allegedly constructing several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that he intended to detonate in Manhattan. 

The Justice Department announced charges against Michael Gann, 55, of Inwood, New York, for allegedly placing at least five IEDs and shotgun shells on the rooftops of residential apartment buildings in the SoHo neighborhood and throwing one IED onto subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge, which connects Brooklyn to Manhattan. 

“The safety of New Yorkers is paramount,” said U.S. Attorney Jay 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.”

Gann has been charged with attempted destruction of property by explosive means, transportation of explosive devices, and unlawful possession of explosive devices. He could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted on all counts. 

According to investigators, Gann constructed the IEDs with chemicals, wires, and other materials he ordered on the internet beginning in May 2025. He was planning to combine shotgun shells with the explosive devices, the indictment said. One of the devices contained 600 times the legal limit for explosive powder in fireworks.  

Sometime in May or June, Gann searched on the internet: “will i pass a background check,” “clorine bomb,” “black powder nearby,” “½ stick dynamite,” and other similar queries. 

On March 26, 2025, an X account identified as belonging to Gann posted: “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 Protests and Riotation or would you just drop a bomb on this place while because they seem to be coming and coming?”

IED on subway track/DOJ.

Gann was arrested on June 5, and he allegedly lied about the location of one of the devices, according to the indictment. That was the same day investigators say he posted on Instagram: “Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?

The investigation was led by the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force of the FBI, which included members of the New York Police Department, the ATF, and the Nassau County Police Department. 

“Michael Gann allegedly produced multiple improvised explosive devices intended for use in Manhattan,” said FBI agent Christopher Raia.  “Due to the successful partnership of law enforcement agencies in New York, Gann was swiftly brought to justice before he could harm innocent civilians shortly after his dangerous actions became known.”