FBI agents uncover the largest cache of homemade explosives in Virginia history, arresting Brad Kenneth Spafford in a raid that has sparked national concern.
At a Glance
- Over 150 pipe bombs discovered at Virginia farm, marking FBI’s largest-ever seizure of explosive devices
- Brad Kenneth Spafford arrested on December 17, charged with possessing an unregistered short-barrelled rifle
- Some devices found in a backpack labeled “#nolivesmatter,” linked to far-right, anti-government sentiment
- Spafford’s lawyer argues for release, citing no criminal record or direct threats
Unprecedented FBI Seizure Raises National Security Concerns
In a startling development that has sent shockwaves through law enforcement circles, the FBI has conducted what is being described as the largest seizure of homemade explosive devices in the agency’s 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 discovery of over 150 pipe bombs on his 20-acre farm.
The investigation began in 2023 after an informant reported Spafford’s stockpiling of weapons and ammunition. Upon executing a search warrant at Spafford’s residence on Foursquare Road, which he shares with his wife and young children, FBI agents uncovered a cache of explosives that has been preliminarily assessed as the largest in FBI history by number of finished devices.
A Virginia man was arrested on a gun charge, and investigators say they found a stockpile of pipe bombs at his home. https://t.co/HEgiW2mmGY
— WJZ | CBS Baltimore (@wjz) January 1, 2025
Alarming Details Emerge from the Investigation
The details emerging from the investigation paint a concerning picture. FBI bomb technicians, who X-rayed the devices on scene, found that the majority of the pipe bombs were stored in a detached garage, organized by color. Some were hand-labeled “lethal,” indicating a potentially sinister intent behind their creation.
“FBI bomb technicians, who X-rayed the devices on scene, assessed them as pipe bombs, The majority were found in a detached garage, organized by color. … Some were hand-labeled “lethal.”” – newly-filed document
Adding to the gravity of the situation, investigators discovered a jar of HMTD, a highly volatile explosive, stored in a freezer accessible to children. The bombs themselves were constructed with two layers of plastic tubes and metal spheres, designed to enhance fragmentation upon explosion. An FBI analysis concluded that these devices were “capable of causing property damage, personal injury and/or death.”
The 'Largest Seizure of Homemade Explosives in FBI History", our story of a case in Virginia we've been following for a few weeks.https://t.co/ZI0rzwOm7g
— Seamus Hughes (@SeamusHughes) December 31, 2024
Potential Ties to Extremist Ideologies
The investigation has also uncovered disturbing evidence that may link Spafford to extremist ideologies. Some devices were found in a backpack labeled “#nolivesmatter,” a phrase associated with far-right, anti-government movements. Moreover, prosecutors allege that Spafford used photos of President Biden for target practice and expressed hope for Vice-President Harris’s assassination.
“he believed political assassinations should be brought back” – prosecutors
These allegations, if proven true, raise serious questions about the potential threat posed by individuals harboring extremist views and access to dangerous materials. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in identifying and neutralizing domestic security threats.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Arguments
Despite the severity of the discoveries, Spafford’s legal team is mounting a vigorous defense. His lawyer argues that there is no evidence of Spafford threatening anyone directly and claims that the government’s assessment of danger is speculative. The defense stresses Spafford’s clean criminal record and lack of history of substance abuse.
“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
A federal judge initially ordered Spafford’s release on a $25,000 bond with electronic monitoring. However, this decision is currently on hold as the government seeks pre-trial detention. The case, being handled in the U.S. District Court in Norfolk, continues to evolve as more information comes to light.
As this unprecedented case unfolds, it serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers lurking within our communities and the critical role of vigilant law enforcement in maintaining public safety. The outcome of Spafford’s case may have far-reaching implications for how similar threats are identified and addressed in the future.
Sources:
- FBI finds largest explosive cache on a Virginia farm
- Largest seizure of homemade explosives in FBI history is made at Virginia farm, agents say | News | thedailynewsonline.com
- FBI finds 150 homemade bombs at Virginia home in one of the largest such seizures, prosecutors say
- FBI finds 150 homemade bombs in Virginia, one of largest seizures ever
- FBI found 150 homemade bombs at Virginia home during search in December, prosecutors say
- FBI Makes ‘Largest Seizure’ of Explosive Devices in Agency History in Virginia, DOJ Says | The Epoch Times
