PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Pittsburgh resident Matthew Michanowicz, age 52, has been federally charged after knowingly possessing illegal, unregistered guns and planting them, along with Molotov cocktails, in a backpack in the Downtown area.The guns in the backpack were labeled as “destructive devices” after it was discovered that they were unregistered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.On June 1, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police was called to 2 PNC Plaza, near Wood Street, for reports of a “suspicious bag.”The “military, green bag” was discovered beside a bicycle rack.Three guns were found, along with a “foul odor”.The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police bomb squad was called in to investigate.The bomb squad found what was believed to be spent Molotov cocktails; there were traces of liquid and wicks in the devices.They also gave off a scent of what was deemed to be “ignitable fluid.”Michanowicz had been recorded on security footage possessing the backpack.He was taken into custody on Friday, June 5 after being identified as matching the description in the video and being questioned by police."Once again, we see that certain participants in the protests in Pittsburgh were only present to serve as agitators and to incite violence. "Let’s call them what they are: criminals. "They have no intention of peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights; they seek only to incite and destroy. "Michanowicz brought a backpack full of homemade Molotov cocktails to downtown Pittsburgh. "He wasn’t there to protest; he was there to engage in violent attacks. "I hope that any organizers or protestors who are participating consistent with the First Amendment will help identify and stop agitators who seek to manipulate their protest for violent ends. "Rest assured that we stand ready to prosecute such provocateurs federally," said U.S. Attorney Scott Brady.
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