FBI Seizes Record Cache of Homemade Explosives in Virginia, Arrests Brad Kenneth Spafford

Handcuffs on an American flag.

FBI seizes over 150 homemade bombs in Virginia, marking the largest cache in agency history.

At a Glance

  • FBI discovers over 150 pipe bombs during raid on Virginia farm, largest seizure in its history
  • Brad Kenneth Spafford arrested on December 17 in Isle of Wight County
  • Some devices found in backpack labeled “#nolivesmatter,” linked to far-right movement
  • Spafford charged with possessing unregistered short-barrelled rifle; more charges expected

Unprecedented Seizure of Homemade Explosives

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has conducted what is being described as the largest seizure of homemade explosive devices in its history. The raid, which took place on December 17 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, resulted in the arrest of Brad Kenneth Spafford and the confiscation of over 150 pipe bombs from his property.

FBI bomb technicians who examined the devices on-site determined them to be pipe bombs. The majority of these explosives were discovered in a detached garage, organized by color, with some hand-labeled as “lethal.” The sheer volume of explosives found has raised significant concerns about public safety and the potential threat posed by individuals stockpiling such dangerous materials.

Details of the Investigation

The investigation leading to this unprecedented seizure began in 2023 after an informant reported Spafford’s stockpiling of weapons and ammunition. A search warrant was executed at Spafford’s home on Foursquare Road, which he shares with his wife and young children. During the search, investigators made a disturbing discovery: a jar of HMTD, a highly volatile explosive, stored in a freezer accessible to children.

“Several additional apparent pipe bombs were found in a backpack in the home’s bedroom, completely unsecured,” prosecutors stated.

The bombs were constructed with two layers of plastic tubes and metal spheres to enhance fragmentation upon explosion. Due to the unstable nature of the explosives, most devices were detonated on-site for safety reasons, with only a few retained for further analysis.

Concerns and Allegations

The case has raised alarms not only due to the quantity of explosives but also because of alleged extremist views held by Spafford. Some devices were found in a backpack labeled “#nolivesmatter,” which has been linked to far-right, anti-government sentiments. Prosecutors claim that Spafford used photos of President Biden for target practice and allegedly joked about the assassination of Vice-President Harris.

“He believed political assassinations should be brought back,” prosecutors reported.

Further allegations suggest that Spafford sought sniper-rifle shooting qualifications and continued bomb-making even after losing fingers in an explosive accident in 2021. There are also reports that he discussed fortifying his property with a turret for a 50-calibre firearm.

Legal Proceedings and Defense

Currently, Spafford is charged with possessing an unregistered short-barrelled rifle, though more charges are expected. His case is being handled in the U.S. District Court in Norfolk. Despite the severity of the findings, Spafford’s defense team argues for his release, citing his lack of criminal history and claiming there is no evidence of intent to commit violence.

“There is not a shred of evidence in the record that Mr. Spafford ever threatened anyone and the contention that someone might be in danger because of their political views and comments is nonsensical,” defense lawyers argued.

A federal judge initially ordered Spafford’s release with electronic monitoring, but this decision is on hold as the government seeks pre-trial detention. The case continues to unfold, raising questions about domestic security threats and the balance between individual rights and public safety.

Sources:

  1. FBI finds largest explosive cache on a Virginia farm
  2. Largest seizure of homemade explosives in FBI history is made at Virginia farm, agents say | News | thedailynewsonline.com
  3. FBI: Homemade explosives seizure at Isle of Wight farm largest in its history

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