NEW YORK — Two New York City brothers were accused Monday of storing an arsenal of explosives and ghost weapons in their family’s home, where authorities say they also found anarchist propaganda and a hit list that listed cops, judges, politicians and celebrities , but not mentioned.
Andrew and Angelo Hatziagelis were indicted on 130 counts of a range of crimes, including criminal possession and sale of weapons, and were detained, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement Monday.
“The city is safer today,” Katz said. “We can’t measure the number of lives saved, but we do know that these weapons will never hurt anyone.”
Attorneys for Andrew Hatziagelis, 39, and Angelo Hatziagelis, 51, did not immediately return messages Monday.
The investigation, which also involved state and federal law enforcement officials, was launched based on intelligence showing that the brothers were purchasing firearm parts and accessories and making illegal ghost guns, Katz said.
Ghost guns are firearms without serial numbers that are typically assembled at home or 3D printed. That process allows people to bypass background checks and makes it difficult for law enforcement to track down gun owners.
Authorities said explosives and firearms were found in the brothers’ apartment in the Astoria section of Queens, where they live with their mother and another brother. Police searched the home on January 17 after obtaining a warrant.
Police said they seized eight operational explosives, two AR-15-style ghost rifles, a partially constructed AK-47-style ghost rifle, several handguns, more than 600 rounds of ammunition, a 3D printer, firearm parts and 29 magazines with high capacity. including some made with the printer.
Investigators said they also found notebooks with instructions on how to make explosives, as well as anarchist propaganda.
A piece of paper headed “Hit List” contained generic targets without specific names, such as police officers, judges, politicians, celebrities, “corporate scum” and “bankerscum.” It also said, “sweep away the scum, sweep away the earth.”
The brothers are expected to appear in court on February 15.