NYC Explosives Stockpile Investigation: Andrew and Angelo Hatziagelis Face Over 100 Charges

Two men, identified as Andrew and Angelo Hatziagelis, are at the center of an investigation after being accused of more than 100 charges related to the possession of an impressive arsenal of weapons and explosivess in an apartment in Queens, New York.

Authorities, after an exhaustive six-month investigation into illegal weapons manufacturing, carried out a search warrant on January 17, discovering a dangerous set of devices in the home, strategically located in front of the Con Edison Power facilities.

Andrew, 39, and Angelo, 51, face charges including criminal possession of weapons and other related offenses.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz reported that during the search six loaded and operable ghost weapons, 3D printed firearms, assault rifles, protective equipment, as well as eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Katz warned about the advanced level of sophistication in making homemade explosives, describing them as highly volatile.

“It is important to note that homemade explosives in general and improvised explosive devices like the ones we recovered are extremely unpredictable and highly volatile. Just removing them from the house and sending them for lab testing is risky for the NYPD and for any office or agency that enters the building they are in,” he said.

anarchist propaganda

The operation also revealed the presence of anarchist propaganda and a target list that included police officers, judges, politicians and celebrities. In addition, notebooks were found that They contained detailed instructions on the manufacture of explosive devices, as well as anti-government, anti-authority and extremist ideology.

Rebecca Weiner, Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism of the New York Police Department, highlighted the presence of symbols and iconography consistent with numerous conspiracy theories in the seized notebooks.

Weiner warned of the growing trend of targeting, noting that potential targeting of judges, politicians and police is one manifestation of a growing threat landscape in recent years.

During the execution of the search warrants, the anti-explosive squad of The NYPD had to repeatedly evacuate the building due to the risk associated with explosive devices.

Weapons transport

Authorities also seized materials intended for transporting weapons, including backpacks, smoke bombs, additional magazines, a baton, pepper spray, food and water bottles. Although there is no indication that the Hatziageli are linked to a terrorist network or criminal organizationthe investigation is still ongoing.

This case highlights the growing threat of domestic violent extremism in the United States, according to Weiner. The defendants’ next court date is scheduled for February 15, and they each face up to 25 years in prison.

The threat landscape across the country and in New York City has evolved, with increased energy across the broad swath of terrorist threats since October 7.

With information from Fox News.

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2024-01-30 01:22:00
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