Federal prosecutors have charged 55-year-old Michael Gann of New York City with constructing and placing multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across Manhattan, including one thrown onto the subway tracks of the Williamsburg Bridge, officials announced Monday.
According to the indictment, Gann allegedly built at least seven devices using precursor chemicals such as potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder. One device reportedly contained 30 grams of explosive powder — roughly 600 times the legal limit for consumer fireworks — and several incorporated shotgun shells designed to produce lethal shrapnel.
The IEDs were stashed in high-risk locations, including rooftops of residential buildings in SoHo. The Williamsburg Bridge — which carries eight lanes of vehicle traffic, two subway tracks, and an upper pedestrian and cycling deck — was also targeted.
BREAKING: Manhattan bomb plot foiled as feds charge NY man with building, stashing IEDs across city https://t.co/uwc0HRXJC9
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 23, 2025
“The safety of New Yorkers is paramount,” U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement. “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 faces three federal charges: one count of attempted destruction of property by means of explosives (mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison), one count of transportation of explosive materials (up to 10 years), and one count of unlawful possession of destructive devices (up to 10 years).
Dear @POTUS , I’m thinking just now here in NYC that it’s too bad that that wall wasn’t built before the National Gaurd would have to come here for the Protests and Riotation or would you just drop a bomb on this place while and because they seem to be coming and coming?
— Michael Gann (@Monarchifame) March 28, 2025
Court documents reveal that Gann maintained an active online presence, including posting cryptic and alarming messages in the days leading up to his arrest. In late March, he posted a comment directed at President Donald Trump referencing the National Guard and building a wall. The day before his arrest, Gann wrote about “another day of ‘Come out to play’” and lamented being forced to panhandle for years. Hours before being taken into custody, he posted on Instagram: “Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?”
Gann’s alleged social media profile featured a rainbow-colored communist fist, a “fight the power” slogan, and imagery celebrating Independence Day.
Authorities said another explosive device was found in Gann’s possession at the time of his arrest. He is currently in federal custody and faces significant prison time if convicted.
