Helped by AI, man built bombs he planned to detonate in Manhattan, officials say
Share and Follow

Federal prosecutors indicted a 55-year-old Long Island, New York, man Tuesday, alleging he built seven homemade bombs with the help of artificial intelligence, a process he called “easier than buying gun powder,” according to court documents.

The man, Michael Gann, transported the bombs from Long Island to New York City and stored five of them and four shotgun shells on an apartment building rooftop in the SoHo neighborhood, officials said. He intended to combine the shotgun shells with one or more of the improvised explosive devices, they said.

On March 27, Gann posted a message to President Donald Trump’s official X account, the indictment said.

“Dear @POTUS, I’m thinking just now here in NYC that it’s too bad that the wall wasn’t built before the National Guard would have to come here for the Protests and Riotation,” he was said to have written. “Or would you just drop a bomb on this place while and because they seem to be coming and coming?”

Five weeks later, Gann was arrested after he posted on Instagram, “Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?” according to authorities.

Gann has not yet entered a plea, and his attorney declined to comment.

michael gann bomb maker
A man authorities identified as Michael Gann on a rooftop in lower Manhattan.U.S. District Court Southern District of N.Y.

Ordering online

Gann told law enforcement officials that he used two household compounds that he ordered online to make the improvised explosives, according to court documents. He also purchased over 200 cardboard tubes and more than 50 feet of fuses. One of the devices he built had roughly 30 grams of explosive powder — about 600 times the legal limit for consumer fireworks.

Officials said he appeared to have acted alone and was not acting as part of a group.

“Gann allegedly produced multiple improvised explosive devices intended for use in Manhattan,” said Christopher Raia, the head of the FBI’s New York field office. “Due to the successful partnership of law enforcement agencies in New York, Gann was swiftly brought to justice before he could harm innocent civilians.”

michael gann bomb maker
Bombs alleged to have been made by Michael Gann.U.S. District Court Southern District of N.Y.

One of the witnesses, a U.S. military veteran, told the FBI that as Gann was mixing the explosives in Inwood, a town on Long Island, he said, “What kind of veteran are you? You see a problem going on in the neighborhood and you do nothing about it.”

“Gann then pointed to a Jewish school,” according to a criminal complaint that was filed at the time of his arrest.

A second witness agreed to make phone calls to Gann while the FBI listened in, according to the criminal complaint. Gann told the witness in one call that “he had lit one of the devices near the East River on the FDR Drive; that the device had exploded, scaring Gann,” it says.

Gann then said, according to the witness, that he was considering disposing of the remaining five devices by throwing them into the river or turning them in to the New York City Fire Department.

On June 5, the day of the alleged call, law enforcement agents saw Gann walking down the street carrying a shoulder bag, according to the complaint. When the agents identified themselves to Gann, he told them he was on his way to the fire department to drop the devices off, it says.

After being read his rights, Gann told law enforcement officials that he “wished to make pyrotechnics and used artificial intelligence to learn which chemicals to purchase and mix,” the complaint says.

It says Gann created four devices initially and threw three from the Manhattan side of the Williamsburg Bridge. Two devices fell into the water, and one fell on the train tracks and was recovered near there.

“Gann built explosive devices, stored them on a rooftop in SoHo,” interim U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said, “and threw one onto the subway tracks — putting countless lives at risk.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Santa with CCW gets pulled over, tells Ohio deputy 'you got to protect yourself' during festive traffic stop

Ohio Deputy Pulls Over Armed Santa, Who Advocates for Self-Protection During Festive Traffic Stop

Santa Claus nearly found himself in a bit of a holiday predicament,…
Florida man kills wife, shoots stepdaughter over NFL game argument before taking own life

Tragic NFL Dispute: Florida Man’s Deadly Rampage Leaves Family Devastated

A tragic incident unfolded in Florida this week when a man fatally…
Obama Presidential Center's dour 'Death Star' shape explained 

Understanding the Unique ‘Death Star’ Design of the Obama Presidential Center

The Obama Foundation has clarified that the unique design of former President…
Colorado mom, Jess Sandoval, warns parents about button batteries in Christmas toys after daughter swallows one

Colorado Mother, Jess Sandoval, Raises Awareness on Button Battery Dangers in Christmas Toys Following Daughter’s Incident

A mother from Colorado is issuing a stark warning after her daughter…
US launches deadly strike on ISIS targets in Nigeria after group targeted Christians, President Trump says

US Executes Precision Airstrike on ISIS in Nigeria Following Attacks on Christians: President Trump

President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform Thursday that he…
New Yorkers enraged over Times Square Christmas billboard

Outrage Erupts in New York: The Times Square Christmas Billboard That’s Stirring Controversy

A Times Square billboard declaring ‘Jesus is Palestinian’ has sparked outrage, with…
Is the day after Christmas a federal holiday?

Does December 26th Hold Federal Holiday Status? Here’s What You Need to Know

Here’s a rundown of essential information regarding certain services on Friday, Dec.…
Lamar Jackson may miss Packers game after bombshell report

Lamar Jackson’s Unexpected Absence: What the Latest Report Means for Ravens vs. Packers Showdown

Lamar Jackson’s participation in the Baltimore Ravens’ upcoming game against the Green…