Michael Gann, 55, of Inwood, New York, is facing federal charges after allegedly constructing and storing homemade explosives across Manhattan—including on active subway tracks and residential rooftops, according to U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.
Gann was charged Tuesday with multiple felonies for manufacturing and transporting improvised explosive devices (IEDs), with some reportedly containing shotgun rounds. Authorities say Gann purchased chemicals online and created at least seven devices, endangering countless New Yorkers.
“The safety of New Yorkers is paramount,” said Clayton. “Thanks to swift work by our law enforcement partners, no one was harmed.”
Devices Found in SoHo, Subway System
Gann allegedly threw one of his explosive devices across the subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge, while others were found on rooftops in SoHo above apartments, posing a major threat to residents.
He was arrested on June 5 with another live device on him. On Instagram that same day, Gann posted:
“Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?”
Authorities credit NYPD and the FBI for intercepting the suspect before he could detonate the devices.
“We were able to intervene before he caused any harm,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
“This defendant allegedly stockpiled homemade explosives and traveled to New York City with these deadly devices,” she added.
Federal Charges Filed
Gann is charged with:
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Attempting to destroy property with explosives (minimum 5 years, maximum 20)
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Transportation of explosive materials (maximum 10 years)
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Unauthorized possession of destructive devices (maximum 10 years)
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit, with a team of federal prosecutors and special agents leading the investigation.
FBI Ramps Up National Security Efforts
The arrest comes as FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced the dismantling of a Chinese espionage ring inside the United States. That operation led to two arrests and eight search warrants executed in San Francisco, Houston, Portland, and San Diego.
“This is your FBI,” Bongino said, “and you deserve to know about the work we’re doing every day to keep our country and citizens safe.”
Bongino said the FBI currently has nearly 5,000 active counterintelligence cases, with more than 800 new ones opened in 2025 alone. The bureau has arrested 51 foreign agents this year, including operatives from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
