New York brothers accused of stockpiling arsenal of bombs and guns with hit list

Two brothers from New York City, Andrew and Angelo Hatziagelis, have been indicted on 130 counts of various crimes, including the possession and sale of weapons. The indictment alleges that the brothers were stockpiling an arsenal of explosive devices, ghost guns, and anarchist propaganda in their family's home. The authorities also found a "hit list" that mentioned but did not name cops, judges, politicians, and celebrities.

Authorities' Statement

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated that the brothers' detention has made the city safer, emphasizing that countless lives may have been saved by confiscating the weapons.

Investigation and Findings

The investigation, which involved state and federal law enforcement officials, was initiated based on intelligence indicating that the brothers were purchasing firearm parts and accessories and producing illegal ghost guns.

During a search of the brothers' apartment in the Astoria section of Queens, where they reside with their mother and another brother, authorities seized eight operational explosive devices, two AR-15-style ghost rifles, a partially constructed AK-47-style ghost gun, several pistols, over 600 rounds of ammunition, a 3D printer, firearm parts, and 29 high-capacity magazines, including some made with the printer.

Concerns and Implications

Ghost guns, firearms without serial numbers typically assembled at home or 3D printed, enable individuals to evade background checks and make it challenging for law enforcement to trace the gun owners.

The investigators also discovered notebooks containing instructions on making explosive devices and materials related to anarchism. A document titled "Hit List" outlined vague targets such as police officers, judges, politicians, celebrities, "corporate scum," and "bankerscum", alongside the directive to "wipe out the scum, wipe out the earth."

Legal Proceedings

Both Andrew Hatziagelis, 39, and Angelo Hatziagelis, 51, have been detained, and their lawyers have not yet responded to the accusations. The brothers are scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 15 to address the 130 counts against them, which include criminal possession and sale of weapons.