Man Accused of Using AI to Build Bombs, Planned to Detonate in Manhattan

Kokcha News Agency: Michael Gann, a 55-year-old man from Long Island, New York, has been accused of using artificial intelligence to construct seven homemade bombs. Federal prosecutors stated that Gann described the process as “easier than buying gunpowder.”

According to court documents, Gann transported the bombs from Long Island to New York City and stored five bombs and four shotgun shells on the roof of an apartment building in Manhattan’s SoHo district. Authorities believe Gann planned to combine the shotgun shells with one of the bombs.

Message to Trump
On March 27, Gann sent a message to President Donald Trump’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating:
“Dear @POTUS, I’m in NYC right now thinking, I wish that wall had been built before the National Guard came here for protests and riots. Or would you have dropped a bomb here instead?”

Approximately five weeks later, Gann was arrested after posting on Instagram, “Anyone want to go out and play like there’s no tomorrow?”

Materials Ordered Online
During interrogation, Gann admitted to using two different types of household chemicals ordered online to build the bombs. He also purchased over 200 cardboard tubes and more than 15 meters of fuse. One of the bombs contained about 30 grams of explosive material, 600 times the amount allowed in legal fireworks.

Authorities confirmed that Gann acted alone and was not affiliated with any organization.

FBI Statement
Christopher Raia, head of the FBI’s New York office, said, “Gann is alleged to have produced a significant number of explosive devices intended for use in Manhattan. Thanks to joint security efforts, he was apprehended without harm to civilians.”

Bombs on Train Tracks
According to prosecutors, Gann initially built four bombs, three of which he threw from the Williamsburg Bridge. Two fell into the river, while one landed on train tracks and was discovered there.

On June 5, Gann was stopped by security forces while walking down the street with a backpack. He claimed he was on his way to surrender the bombs to the fire department.

After being read his rights, Gann confessed to using AI to learn how to build the bombs and which chemicals to mix.

Prosecutor’s Statement
Jay Clayton, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said, “Gann placed a bomb on a rooftop in SoHo, threw one onto subway tracks, and endangered countless lives.”

Gann has not yet made a defense in court, and his lawyer has declined to comment to the press.