New York Brothers Slammed With 130 Charges For Massive Weapons Stash And Celebrity 'Hit List'
Two Greek-American brothers from Astoria in Queens are facing a 130-count indictment on Tuesday for charges including encompassed possession of a substantial arsenal, including 3D-printed guns, improvised explosives, and anarchist propaganda.
Andrew Hatziagelis, 39, and Angelo Hatziagelis, 51, allegedly compiled a "hit list" featuring celebrities and authority figures. Following the indictment, both Andrew and Angelo Hatziagelis remained in custody, with law enforcement citing their alleged "evil intent."
The weapons arsenal included eight "fully operable" bombs, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. In an official statement, Katz emphasized the potential lives saved, stating, "We cannot measure the number of lives that were saved, but we do know that these weapons will never hurt anyone."
Katz's office also unveiled a hand-written "hit list" retrieved by the police, mentioning categories like "cops, judges, politicians, celebrities," and "banker scum." Specific names were not listed.
According to Courtney Nilan from the NYPD's intelligence division, multiple writings and notebooks were recovered, revealing the brothers' alleged strong anti-government and anti-society sentiments. The manifestos included quotes from Charles Manson.
"Today's charges underscore the harsh reality that our communities contain a small number of people who conceivably harbor evil intent," said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban.
The term "ghost guns," which can be 3D-printed at home using online designs, has been a growing concern. Despite efforts by President Joe Biden's administration to regulate their use, a November decision by an appeals court rejected a new regulation aimed at restricting their availability.
The Queens District Attorney's Crime Strategies & Intelligence Bureau initiated a six-month investigation into the brothers' activities after detecting the purchase of components for these weapons, bringing attention to the potential dangers associated with such untraceable firearms.
On Jan. 17, police executed a search warrant at the sibling's residence, reportedly uncovering a vast array of weapons. The findings included two loaded AR-15-style ghost guns with detachable magazines, a partially-constructed bomb trip-wire, four loaded 9mm semiautomatic ghost gun pistols, an AK-47-style ghost gun assault rifle, and over 600 rounds of ammunition. The explosive threat was significant enough to prompt the evacuation of the entire building on 36th Avenue, situated opposite a power plant.
The two men shared their residence with their mother and another brother, both of whom are not facing charges, according to NBC-4.
Authorities released an image revealing crude explosives, seemingly crafted from used soda cans and other household items. The charges against the brothers include 64 counts related to illegal weapon possession.
A court docket indicates that Angelo Hatziagelis has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The brothers are scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 15.
If convicted, the siblings face a potential sentence of up to 25 years in jail.
