NYC Brothers Had Bomb-Making Materials: Feds

NEW YORK, NY — Two Bronx brothers, one of whom is a former teacher at a New York City school, are accused of stockpiling explosive materials in their apartment and manufacturing destructive devices, federal authorities said Thursday.

The twin brothers, Christian Toro and Tyler Toro, both 27, were arrested Thursday. The investigation began Dec. 4 when Christian Toro resigned from his teaching position at an upper Manhattan school. Authorities did not name the school but said it was a charter school.

After his resignation, Toro's brother returned a laptop to the school. Authorities said a school employee found a copy of a book that provides instructions for, among other things, manufacturing explosive devices. Law enforcement agents then interviewed students at the school who said at least two students had visited the brothers' apartment in The Bronx. Authorities allege Toro would pay them approximately $50 per hour to break apart fireworks and store the powder that came out of the fireworks in containers.

Authorities searched the apartment on Thursday. Here's what authorities say they found in the apartment:

1. approximately 20 pounds of iron oxide
2. approximately five pounds of aluminum powder
3. a substance appearing to be thermite, mixed from iron oxide and aluminum powder
4. approximately five pounds of potassium nitrate
5. a glass jar containing explosive powder
6. a cardboard box containing firecrackers.

Authorities said they also found a diary that had Tyler Toro's name on it.

Authorities say the words “WE ARE TWIN TOROS STRIKE US NOW, WE WILL RETURN WITH NANO THERMITE" and “I AM HERE 100%, LIVING, BUYING WEAPONS. WHATEVER WE NEED” were found written in the diary.

A backpack that authorities say belonged to Christian Toro contained an index card with handwriting that read “UNDER THE FULL MOON THE SMALL ONES WILL KNOW TERROR.”

Christian Toro is charged with one count of unlawfully manufacturing a destructive device and one count of distribution of explosive materials to a minor. Tyler Toro is charged with one count of unlawfully manufacturing a destructive device.

Authorities said the investigation was ongoing and had not ended just because someone was in custody. Officials also said there was no continued threat to the city.

A bail hearing for Christian Toro was set for Feb. 21 and no date has been set for Tyler Toro. A preliminary hearing date for both brothers is set for March. 19.

Patch file photo