In a chilling discovery that has shaken New York City, two brothers have been indicted on over 130 charges related to a massive stockpile of illegal weapons and homemade explosives found in their Queens apartment.
Andrew and Angelo Hatziagelis, 39 and 51 respectively, face decades behind bars after authorities uncovered a cache of ghost guns, assault weapons, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a raid on their Astoria home.
The investigation, sparked by a six-month probe into illegal ghost gun manufacturing, led detectives straight to the Hatziagelis brothers' apartment, located directly across from a Con Edison power plant. What they found inside was a veritable arsenal:
- 6 operable and loaded ghost guns: This included 3D-printed firearms and assault weapons, raising concerns about the growing accessibility of untraceable weapons.
- 8 IEDs: These homemade bombs, some rigged with trip wires, posed a serious threat to public safety, requiring meticulous dismantling by NYPD bomb squad specialists.
- Anarchist propaganda and a hit list: The discovery of notebooks containing instructions for explosive devices and targeting figures like "cops," "politicians," and "celebrities" added a layer of disturbing ideology to the case.
- Additional weapons and supplies: The brothers' arsenal also included protective gear, ammunition, high-capacity magazines, a radio scanner tuned to police frequencies, and smoke bombs.
While authorities currently lack evidence linking the brothers to a specific terrorist group, the sheer quantity and sophistication of the weapons raise concerns about potential domestic violence or extremist activities. The investigation remains ongoing, with prosecutors stressing the potentially catastrophic consequences of the explosives found.
"The mere act of removing them from the house was risky," stated Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, highlighting the volatile nature of the IEDs. "Had one detonated, it likely would have triggered the others, causing significant damage and casualties."
The case sheds light on the growing threat posed by ghost guns and homemade explosives, particularly in the context of rising domestic extremism and anti-government ideologies. It also underscores the crucial role of law enforcement in preventing potential disasters and ensuring public safety.
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