By: Fern Sidman

In a disturbing case that has alarmed law enforcement and city officials, a New York man has been charged in federal court for allegedly building and stashing homemade bombs across multiple high-traffic areas of Manhattan. According to a report that appeared on Tuesday at Fox News Digital, Michael Gann, a 55-year-old resident of Inwood, now faces several serious federal charges after authorities discovered he had manufactured at least seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and deployed them in densely populated locations, including active subway tracks and residential rooftops.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, in a statement reported by Fox News Digital, emphasized the gravity of the allegations: “The safety of New Yorkers is paramount. 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.”

According to the criminal complaint, Gann used chemicals ordered online to assemble the explosive devices, some of which included shotgun shells to intensify the potential impact. One of the most dangerous alleged incidents involved Gann hurling a live device onto the subway tracks of the Williamsburg Bridge — a bustling transit artery used by thousands of commuters each day. Fox News Digital reported that in addition to this reckless act, Gann allegedly hoarded a cache of IEDs on rooftops above residential buildings in Manhattan’s SoHo district.

Authorities apprehended Gann on June 5 while he was reportedly carrying another explosive device. His arrest came just hours after he posted a cryptic and troubling message on Instagram that read, “Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?” Investigators say the post, when viewed in context with the evidence collected, suggests a mindset intent on inflicting chaos.

The investigation, led by the FBI in close cooperation with the NYPD and federal prosecutors, was credited with swiftly neutralizing what officials described as a significant and imminent threat. FBI Assistant Director Christopher Raia praised the speed and coordination of the joint operation: “The swift partnership between agencies stopped Gann before he could inflict harm.”

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch echoed this sentiment, highlighting the coordinated law enforcement effort that may have prevented mass casualties. “Our coordinated effort intervened before he caused any harm,” she stated, as reported by Fox News Digital.

The prosecution of the case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. The legal team includes Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan L. Bodansky, Michael D. Lockard, and Chelsea L. Scism, alongside Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Isaacson, who are all overseeing the case’s development.

Gann is facing three separate counts under federal law. The most serious is one count of attempted destruction of property by means of explosives, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. He is also charged with one count of transporting explosive materials, punishable by up to 10 years, and one count of unlawful possession of destructive devices, which also carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Sentencing, if Gann is convicted, will ultimately be determined by a federal judge.

The report at Fox News Digital emphasized that the investigation into Gann’s activities remains ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to assess whether he acted alone or if other individuals may have been involved or aware of his plans.

This incident marks yet another reminder of the enduring challenges facing urban security, particularly in cities such as New York, where public transportation and residential spaces are tightly interwoven. Authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior, citing the Gann case as a chilling example of how homegrown threats can materialize in everyday spaces.

As the legal process unfolds, Gann remains in federal custody. His case is expected to be closely followed in the coming months, both for its legal implications and for the insights it may yield into domestic threats in urban environments.