Greek-American brothers indicted for alleged terror plot

In a major operation, New York police and Homeland Security uncover a deadly arsenal of bombs and ghost guns in Astoria, leading to the indictment of two brothers on 130 counts

Two brothers named Andrew, 39, and Angelo Hatziagelis, 51, have been indicted on 130 counts after law enforcement officials discovered an alarming cache of weapons and explosives in their shared family home in Astoria, Queens.

This significant arrest follows a coordinated effort by the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the NYPD, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

During the raid, authorities seized eight homemade bombs, two AR-15-style rifles, two 9mm semi-automatic handguns, and a large quantity of ammunition, including over 600 rounds. Notably, all these firearms were identified as “ghost guns” – untraceable due to their lack of registered serial numbers. Additional finds included a partially constructed trip-wire bomb, several pistols, an AK-47-style ghost gun in progress, body armor, and 29 high-capacity magazines.

Investigators also found notebooks filled with bomb-making instructions, anarchist propaganda and a 3D printer used for manufacturing parts for ghost guns. A particularly disturbing discovery was a notebook containing a hit list. This list included broad categories like cops, judges, politicians, and celebrities and labeled individuals as “corporate scum” and “banker scum.” The list was accompanied by statements such as “Wipe out the scum, wipe out the earth.”

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “The city is safer today. We cannot measure the number of lives that were saved, but we do know that these weapons will never hurt anyone.”

The brothers are due in court on Feb. 15, facing severe consequences if convicted. Each could receive up to 25 years in prison. The case remains a significant reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing domestic terrorism and the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious activities.

Source: Newsroom