New York Man Accused of Planting Homemade Bombs Across City, Including Subway Tracks and Rooftops

A New York man allegedly turned Manhattan into a potential minefield, hiding homemade bombs on subway tracks and residential rooftops before federal agents stepped in to stop him.

Michael Gann, 55, of Inwood, New York, was taken into custody on June 5 and now faces a slate of federal charges for allegedly constructing and planting at least seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across the city. 

Prosecutors say he used chemicals purchased online to assemble the weapons, some of which were reportedly packed with shotgun shells to maximize their lethality.

According to court filings, one of the devices was hurled onto the subway tracks at the Williamsburg Bridge—a major commuter artery connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan, used by thousands of New Yorkers each day. 

Others were discovered atop a SoHo apartment building, a high-end neighborhood filled with restaurants, shops and residential buildings. 

Authorities say Gann was carrying an additional explosive at the time of his arrest, preventing what could have been a mass-casualty incident.

On the day of his arrest, Gann allegedly posted a cryptic message on Instagram: “Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?” 

The unsettling post is now part of the investigation into his state of mind and possible intent.

Gann has been charged with attempted destruction of property by means of explosives, transportation of explosive materials and unlawful possession of destructive devices, Fox News reports. 

Federal law classifies IEDs as destructive devices under the National Firearms Act, making their manufacture, possession or transfer illegal without proper licensing. 

If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton said the case represents a grave danger to the public.

“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,” Clayton said. “Thanks to swift work by our law enforcement partners, no one was harmed.”

The FBI and NYPD led the multi-agency investigation, which authorities say relied on rapid intelligence sharing and coordinated response. 

FBI Assistant Director Christopher Raia emphasized the significance of interagency collaboration in stopping threats before they escalate.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted that Gann allegedly transported the explosives into the city with clear intent, describing the arrest as a critical success for law enforcement.

“This defendant allegedly stockpiled homemade explosives and brought them into the city,” Tisch said, crediting the NYPD and partner agencies for their effective investigation and swift response that prevented a potential disaster.

The prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan L. Bodansky, Michael D. Lockard, Chelsea L. Scism and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Isaacson have been assigned to the case.

Authorities have not released a motive, and the investigation remains ongoing. Security has been tightened in key transit areas as a precaution, though officials say there is no current threat to the public.

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