The arrest of Brad Spafford on suspicion of hoarding explosives and weapons resulted in the FBI's largest cache seizure yet, as they found devices linked to extremist ideology in his home.
FBI Uncovers Historic Cache of Explosives on Virginia Farm
FBI Uncovers Historic Cache of Explosives on Virginia Farm
A Virginia farm was raided by the FBI leading to the discovery of over 150 bombs, marking a historic seizure.
The FBI has made a groundbreaking discovery on a farm in Virginia, seizing over 150 bombs during a raid that is anticipated to stand as the largest explosive haul in the agency's history. On December 17, Brad Spafford was taken into custody in Isle of Wight County—approximately 180 miles south of Washington, DC—following a tip-off suggesting he was stockpiling weapons and homemade ammunition at the property he lives in with his wife and two small children.
Among the explosive devices found, one was notably discovered in an unsecure backpack labeled "#nolivesmatter," aligning with messages from a far-right anti-government faction. Spafford's lawyer maintains his client's non-violent stance, advocating for his release from pre-trial detention. Currently, he has only been charged with the possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, but authorities indicate that additional charges will likely follow.
Authorities characterized the found explosives as preliminarily the largest number of finished explosive devices ever seized by the FBI. Allegedly, Spafford had engaged in target practice with images of President Joe Biden and openly expressed intentions toward Vice President Kamala Harris. Documentation from court proceedings suggests he recently pursued sniper-rifle training at a nearby range.
As outlined in the charging documents, a neighbor who previously worked in law enforcement provided crucial evidence against Spafford, including recordings from visits to his 20-acre property. The investigation uncovered various types of explosives, reportedly stored in a detached garage and unsecured locations within the home. Not only were numerous pipe bombs discovered, but investigators also found some in a wearable vest, and unstable HMTD—a volatile explosive—improperly stored next to family food.
Furthermore, the neighbor stated that Spafford had made comments about enhancing his property’s defenses and hinted at conspiratorial views regarding missing children. Despite the severity of the accusations, Spafford's lawyer argued against the narrative of danger, emphasizing that he has no prior criminal record and that speculations around his political comments are unfounded.
While the presiding federal judge initially ordered Spafford's release under electronic monitoring, that decision is currently pending as the government seeks to detain him pre-trial.
Among the explosive devices found, one was notably discovered in an unsecure backpack labeled "#nolivesmatter," aligning with messages from a far-right anti-government faction. Spafford's lawyer maintains his client's non-violent stance, advocating for his release from pre-trial detention. Currently, he has only been charged with the possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, but authorities indicate that additional charges will likely follow.
Authorities characterized the found explosives as preliminarily the largest number of finished explosive devices ever seized by the FBI. Allegedly, Spafford had engaged in target practice with images of President Joe Biden and openly expressed intentions toward Vice President Kamala Harris. Documentation from court proceedings suggests he recently pursued sniper-rifle training at a nearby range.
As outlined in the charging documents, a neighbor who previously worked in law enforcement provided crucial evidence against Spafford, including recordings from visits to his 20-acre property. The investigation uncovered various types of explosives, reportedly stored in a detached garage and unsecured locations within the home. Not only were numerous pipe bombs discovered, but investigators also found some in a wearable vest, and unstable HMTD—a volatile explosive—improperly stored next to family food.
Furthermore, the neighbor stated that Spafford had made comments about enhancing his property’s defenses and hinted at conspiratorial views regarding missing children. Despite the severity of the accusations, Spafford's lawyer argued against the narrative of danger, emphasizing that he has no prior criminal record and that speculations around his political comments are unfounded.
While the presiding federal judge initially ordered Spafford's release under electronic monitoring, that decision is currently pending as the government seeks to detain him pre-trial.
