Shortly after that incident, investigators say Gann climbed to the rooftop of a residential building in SoHo and strategically placed five additional explosive devices, along with several shotgun shells. The explosive devices were described as being constructed from materials including potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder—ingredients commonly used in fireworks and amateur explosives.
A federal indictment reveals that just weeks prior, in May, Gann had purchased more than two pounds of potassium perchlorate, one pound of aluminum powder, over 200 cardboard tubes, and roughly 50 feet of fuse material. Using these materials, officials allege, he built at least seven bombs, one of which contained about 30 grams of explosive powder—an amount that exceeds legal limits for consumer fireworks by roughly 600 times.
Security footage included in the indictment shows Gann walking on the rooftop in SoHo, carrying a bag believed to contain the explosive devices. Investigators have not revealed how they initially learned about Gann’s actions, but their intervention may have prevented a disaster.
When he was arrested, authorities discovered a seventh explosive device in Gann’s possession. He reportedly misled investigators, claiming he had discarded the other bombs in a Manhattan dumpster—an assertion that was later disproved.
A troubling digital trail also added to prosecutors’ case. In the two months before his arrest, Gann’s internet history showed numerous searches related to firearms and explosive materials. Even more ominous, officials say, was a cryptic Instagram post made the morning of June 5—the same day he placed the first device on subway tracks.
“Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?” Gann allegedly wrote, a post now being scrutinized as a chilling signal of intent.
Gann now faces multiple federal charges, including:
One count of attempted destruction of property with an explosive, which carries a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison;
One count of transporting explosive materials, with a maximum sentence of 10 years;
One count of unlawful possession of destructive devices, also punishable by up to 10 years behind bars.
“The safety of New Yorkers is paramount,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton in a statement. He credited the “swift work” of local and federal law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that their rapid response likely prevented a major tragedy.
As of Wednesday, Gann’s legal team has not issued a public statement. PEOPLE reached out to his attorney for comment but did not receive an immediate reply.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not ruled out whether Gann may have had assistance or planned further attacks. For now, authorities are treating the case as an isolated but deeply troubling reminder of the threats posed by lone-wolf actors—and the importance of early intervention.