A shocking discovery in Queens, New York City, has rattled the local community.

Andrew and Angelo Hatziagelis have been indicted on 130 counts after a cache of ghost guns and homemade explosives was found in their apartment.

The brothers, Andrew, aged 39, and Angelo, 51, faced serious charges after a six-month investigation led to the raid of their Astoria apartment. Positioned ominously across from the Con Edison Power facility, their residence concealed a veritable arsenal of illegal weaponry.

Uncovering a deadly cache in Astoria

Upon entry, law enforcement officers were met with an alarming sight. The search uncovered a large stockpile of weapons and explosives, each item more concerning than the last.

Among the recovered items were six functional ghost guns, several 3D-printed firearms, and an array of assault weapons. But what stood out most was the presence of homemade explosives and anarchist propaganda, painting a disturbing picture of the brothers' intentions.

The area surrounding their residence was immediately cordoned off, considering the volatile nature of the explosives. The NYPD and bomb squad worked meticulously to ensure the safe removal of these dangerous items.

A grim find: Hitlist and anarchist materials

Perhaps most troubling was the discovery of a hit list and anarchist propaganda amidst the cache. Names of public figures, including "cops," "judges," and "politicians," were chillingly noted, alongside derogatory terms such as "banker scum."

The material in the IEDs was densely packed, indicating a potential for massive destruction. Notebooks filled with instructions for manufacturing explosives and extremist propaganda further underscored the serious threat posed by the Hatziagelis brothers.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz expressed her concern, particularly about the proximity of the explosive stockpile to the power plant. This close distance could have amplified the impact of any potential explosion, posing a significant risk to public safety.

Authorities address the gravity of the situation

In her statement, District Attorney Katz emphasized the sophistication and volatility of the explosives. "Had one of those IEDs detonated, it would likely have resulted in a shock wave that would have detonated the remaining explosives," she explained.

The DA further highlighted the destructive power of the explosive materials, capable of causing widespread harm and damage. This grim assessment painted a stark picture of the danger the Hatziagelis brothers posed to the community.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner also commented on the rise of anti-government and extremist ideologies. She mentioned the heightened threat from international and domestic violent extremism, underscoring the broader context of this local incident.

Katz remarked on the risk of the explosives found:

It is significant to note that homemade explosives in general and improvised explosive devices such as the ones we recovered are extremely unpredictable and highly volatile. The mere act of removing them from the house and have them submitted for lab testing is risky for the NYPD and for any office or agency that enters the building that they are contained in.

The broader implications of the discovery

The discovery of such a large cache of weapons and explosives, especially in a densely populated area like Queens, has raised serious questions about public safety. The proximity of the apartment to the Con Edison Power facility further elevates the potential risk of catastrophe.

This case highlights the growing concern around homemade firearms and explosives. The use of 3D printers in weapon manufacturing, a relatively new phenomenon, presents new challenges for law enforcement agencies.

The presence of anarchist materials and a hit list indicates a potentially broader plot. This aspect of the case has prompted authorities to delve deeper into the brothers' motives and connections, though no ties to terror or criminal groups have been identified yet.

Legal proceedings and community impact

With their upcoming court date set for February 15, the Hatziagelis brothers face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The gravity of the charges reflects the severity of their alleged actions and the threat they posed to public safety.

The community of Astoria, and indeed the wider New York City area, has been left shaken by this discovery. The incident has sparked discussions on public safety, the regulation of firearms, and the rise of extremist ideologies in urban settings.

As the case progresses, more details are expected to emerge, potentially shedding light on the extent of the Hatziagelis brothers' plans and the potential disaster they could have caused.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

Here are some critical lessons we can draw from this situation:

1. Stay vigilant about unusual activities in your neighborhood. Unusual traffic at odd hours or secretive behavior can be signs of illicit activities.
2. Understand the importance of community policing. Reporting suspicious activities to authorities can prevent potential tragedies.
3. Recognize the signs of extremist ideologies. Propaganda materials or violent rhetoric are red flags that should not be ignored.
4. Remember that while we can take steps to protect ourselves, crime can happen to anyone, and victims should never be blamed for the actions of criminals.

It's essential to remain aware and report any suspicious activities. However, we must also understand that not every situation is preventable, and victim-blaming is unacceptable.

Why this story matters

This story is a critical reminder of the ongoing threat posed by illegal firearms and homemade explosives in urban areas. It underscores the importance of vigilance and community awareness in preventing potential tragedies.

Furthermore, it highlights the need for robust law enforcement strategies to address the evolving nature of criminal activities, especially concerning homemade weaponry and extremist ideologies. Ultimately, this incident serves as a wake-up call to authorities and citizens alike on the importance of proactive safety measures in our communities.

Conclusion

The arrest of Andrew and Angelo Hatziagelis on 130 counts, including the illegal possession of weapons and explosives, serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers lurking in our neighborhoods. The discovery of a stockpile of ghost guns, homemade explosives, and extremist materials in their Queens apartment highlights the critical need for vigilance and community collaboration in preventing such hidden threats.

• Andrew and Angelo Hatziagelis were indicted on 130 counts.
• Their apartment in Astoria, Queens, was found to contain a large cache of weapons and explosives.
• Recovered items included ghost guns, assault rifles, homemade explosives, and anarchist propaganda.
• A hit list and materials indicating a large explosive potential were found.
• The Hatziagelis brothers face significant legal consequences, highlighting the seriousness of such criminal activities.