FBI agents uncover a massive cache of homemade bombs in Virginia, marking the largest seizure in the agency’s history.
At a Glance
- Over 150 homemade bombs discovered during FBI raid on Virginia farm
- Brad Spafford arrested for illegal firearm possession, facing additional charges
- Explosives found scattered throughout property, some labeled “lethal”
- Spafford allegedly used photos of President Biden for target practice
- Federal judge’s decision to release Spafford on hold as government seeks detention
Record-Breaking Bomb Seizure
The FBI has made a startling discovery in Virginia, uncovering what they describe as “preliminarily assessed as the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history.” The revelation came during the arrest of Brad Spafford in Isle of Wight County, initially charged with possessing an unregistered short-barrelled rifle after an informant reported Spafford’s stockpiling of weapons and ammunition.
Agents found over 150 bombs scattered throughout Spafford’s property, with pipe bombs primarily stored in a detached garage. The explosives were sorted by color, with some ominously labeled “lethal.” The sheer scale of the discovery has raised serious concerns about public safety and the challenges faced by law enforcement in regulating illegal explosives and firearms.
A Virginia man was arrested after federal agents seized 150 pipe bombs from his home on a 20-acre farm outside Newport News, the largest stockpile of homemade explosives ever found by the FBI, prosecutors said.https://t.co/LMvIxe1pkf
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 1, 2025
Alarming Discoveries and Potential Threats
The investigation revealed several disturbing details about Spafford’s activities and beliefs. Some devices were found in an unsecured backpack labeled “#nolivesmatter,” potentially linked to far-right, anti-government sentiments. Prosecutors allege that Spafford used photos of President Joe Biden for target practice and expressed hope for Vice-President Kamala Harris’s assassination, raising concerns about potential politically motivated violence.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, investigators found a jar of HMTD, a highly volatile explosive, stored in a freezer next to food accessible to children. This reckless storage of dangerous materials near everyday items underscores the immediate threat posed to those in close proximity to Spafford’s property.
Legal Proceedings and Debate
A federal judge initially ordered Spafford’s release with electronic monitoring, but this decision is currently on hold as the government seeks pre-trial detention. Prosecutors argue that Spafford poses a significant danger due to his expressed interest in violence and possession of explosive devices and riot gear.
Spafford’s defense team contends that there is no evidence he threatened anyone directly and dismisses the government’s assessment of danger as “rank speculation and fear mongering.” They also point out that “professionally trained explosive technicians had to rig the devices to explode them,” suggesting the bombs may not have been as immediately dangerous as portrayed.
Sources:
FBI finds largest explosive cache on a Virginia farm
FBI finds 150 homemade bombs at Virginia home in one of the largest such seizures, prosecutors say
FBI collects 150 homemade bombs at Virginia home in one of largest such seizures, prosecutors say
