New York Man Charged Storing Multiple Explosives Manhattan Rooftops

Michael Gann, a 55-year-old man from Inwood, New York, has been charged with manufacturing and attempting to use at least seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across Manhattan, including storing five on SoHo rooftops and throwing one onto subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge. Authorities arrested Gann on June 5 after finding a seventh IED on him, and prosecutors revealed he purchased precursor chemicals like potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder online to build the bombs. The devices contained explosive powder far exceeding legal limits for consumer fireworks and some included shotgun shells intended to increase harm. Law enforcement credited swift investigative work for preventing any casualties, as one of Gann's explosive tests in June temporarily blinded a bystander. Gann faces charges including attempted destruction of property by explosives, transportation of explosive materials, and unlawful possession of destructive devices, with a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison. Officials emphasized the serious threat posed to public safety and commended the rapid response that averted a possible tragedy in New York City.