United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, along with Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, announced charges against Michael Gann. He is accused of manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using precursor chemicals ordered online. These chemicals were stored on rooftops in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. Additionally, Gann allegedly threw an IED onto subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge and misled law enforcement about disposing of his explosives.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated, “The safety of New Yorkers is paramount,” highlighting the potential danger posed by Gann’s actions and commending law enforcement for preventing harm.
FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia emphasized the swift justice delivered through collaboration among New York’s law enforcement agencies, stating that their partnership prevented potential harm to civilians.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch noted the rapid response from law enforcement that prevented any harm from occurring due to Gann’s actions.
The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho.
According to public court filings, in May 2025, Gann ordered precursor chemicals such as potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder online. By early June 2025, he received these materials and used them to assemble at least seven IEDs. Some were stored on residential rooftops in SoHo along with shotgun shells intended for use with the IEDs.
Gann was arrested on June 5, 2025, with an IED in his possession after throwing another onto subway tracks earlier that day. Despite claiming he had disposed of his supplies in a dumpster, investigations revealed otherwise.
Internet searches conducted by Gann included topics related to explosives and firearms acquisition without a federal firearms license.
Gann faces charges including attempted destruction of property by means of explosives and unlawful possession of destructive devices, carrying potential sentences ranging from five to twenty years in prison depending on the charge.
Mr. Clayton praised efforts by various law enforcement bodies involved in this case: the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Nassau County Police Department; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan L. Bodansky, Michael D. Lockard, Chelsea L. Scism along with Special Assistant U.S Attorney Julie Isaacson are handling prosecution under the Office’s National Security & International Narcotics Unit.
