NYC Man Facing Federal Charges for Explosives Near Williamsburg Bridge

A 55-year-old man, Michael Gann, from Inwood, is facing federal charges for allegedly creating and deploying homemade explosive devices in New York City. The incident involved multiple explosives, some of which were thrown from the Williamsburg Bridge into the East River.

<img src="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/2025/07/23/762f54f5-f3c8-4dae-ac44-da5c3bc007ae/9611414de14fec078314cd82af6b08f9-1-1753266452351.png" alt="Image related to the explosives incident">

The Charges

Gann is charged with:

• Attempted destruction of property by means of explosives
• Transportation of explosive materials
• Unlawful possession of destructive devices

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced the charges on Tuesday.

Explosives Found on SoHo Rooftops

Investigators discovered that Gann allegedly stored explosives on the rooftops of SoHo buildings. They also found a significant amount of explosive powder – exceeding legal limits by a considerable margin. One device was found in his bag and another in his pocket.

Gann reportedly told investigators he learned how to make the devices online while attempting to create pyrotechnics.

Previous Arrests

The indictment reveals Gann has a significant criminal history, with 30 prior arrests and 28 convictions.

This alarming case highlights the dangers of readily accessible information on creating explosive devices and underscores the importance of responsible online practices and stringent law enforcement.