AI-Assisted Man Built Bombs for Manhattan Attack, Officials Say

The Alleged Bomb-Making Activities of a Long Island Man

A 55-year-old man from Long Island, New York, has been indicted by federal prosecutors for allegedly constructing seven homemade bombs with the assistance of artificial intelligence. According to court documents, the process was described as "easier than buying gun powder." The man, identified as Michael Gann, transported these devices from Long Island to New York City and stored five of them along with four shotgun shells on a rooftop in the SoHo neighborhood. Authorities claim he intended to combine the shotgun shells with one or more of the improvised explosive devices.

Social Media Posts and Arrest

On March 27, Gann reportedly posted a message on President Donald Trump’s official X account. The message read: “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. 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 posting on Instagram, "Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?" Gann has not yet entered a plea, and his attorney has not provided any comments.

Purchases and Materials Used

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

Officials stated that Gann appeared to have acted alone and was not part of any group. Christopher Raia, head of the FBI's New York field office, said, “Gann allegedly produced multiple improvised explosive devices intended for use in Manhattan. Due to the successful partnership of law enforcement agencies in New York, Gann was swiftly brought to justice before he could harm innocent civilians.”

Witness Accounts and Confessions

One witness, a U.S. military veteran, told the FBI that during an incident in Inwood, New York, Gann remarked, “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 filed at the time of his arrest.

Another witness agreed to make phone calls to Gann while the FBI listened in. During one call, Gann claimed he had lit one of the devices near the East River on the FDR Drive, which exploded and scared him. He also mentioned considering disposing of the remaining five devices by throwing them into the river or turning them in to the New York City Fire Department.

Law Enforcement Response

On June 5, law enforcement agents saw Gann walking down the street carrying a shoulder bag. When the agents identified themselves, Gann told them he was on his way to the fire department to drop the devices off. After being read his rights, Gann told officials that he wished to make pyrotechnics and used artificial intelligence to learn which chemicals to purchase and mix.

According to the complaint, Gann initially created four devices and threw three from the Manhattan side of the Williamsburg Bridge. Two devices fell into the water, and one landed on the train tracks and was recovered nearby.

Consequences and Public Safety Concerns

"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."

This case highlights the potential dangers of using advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence, for harmful purposes. It also underscores the importance of law enforcement collaboration in preventing acts of violence and ensuring public safety.