Florida Man Claims To Be Archangel; Tries To Blow Up Cars

BRANDON, FL -- A 27-year-old man has been arrested after claiming to be Michael the Archangel on a mission from God to blow up government vehicles.

Deputies responded to the Military Recruitment Center on West Brandon Boulevard off of South Kings Avenue around 7 a.m. Wednesday after 16 government vehicles and one civilian vehicle had their gas tanks pried open and rags and sticks stuffed inside.

The vehicles are the property of the U.S. Army, Navy, National Guard, Air Force and Marine Corps.

During the investigation, Michael Gordon, no address, returned to the parking lot and was taken into custody. During an interview with detectives, Gordon made statements about wanting to blow up the vehicles because "the generals won't surrender to the Kingdom of God."

Gordon referred to himself as "Michael the Archangel." Gordon had two lighters on him and admitted to having charcoal lighter fluid as well.

Investigative Services from the Navy and Air Force, as well as the Federal Protective Services from the Department of Homeland Security responded to the scene.

Gordon is facing charges of criminal mischief and attempted arson. He has no prior criminal history in Hillsborough County.