In a chilling discovery, federal agents unearthed over 150 homemade explosive devices at a Virginia residence, marking one of the largest such seizures ever recorded by the FBI. The cache, found at the Isle of Wight County home of Brad Spafford, 36, included pipe bombs, bomb-making materials, and tools. Prosecutors described the find as “the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history.”
A Dangerous Arsenal
The explosives were predominantly located in a detached garage, but additional pipe bombs were found in a bedroom backpack—unsecured in the home Spafford shares with his wife and two young children. Alongside the devices, agents uncovered fuses, plastic pipes, riot gear, and a wearable vest pre-loaded with explosives. Some of the bombs bore handwritten labels marked “lethal,” according to court filings.
Due to their hazardous nature, most devices were detonated on-site, though several were retained for forensic analysis.
A Disturbing Profile
The investigation began in 2023 when a friend-turned-informant alerted authorities to Spafford’s growing stockpile of weapons and explosives. According to the informant, Spafford had severely injured his hand in 2021 while handling homemade explosives, leaving him with only two fingers on his right hand.
Prosecutors allege that Spafford held extremist views, citing his use of pictures of President Joe Biden for target practice and his stated belief that “political assassinations should be brought back.” While there is no evidence of imminent violent plans, these behaviors, combined with the vast stockpile, raised significant alarm.
Legal Battle
Spafford was initially charged with possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle, violating the National Firearms Act, but prosecutors indicated he could face numerous additional charges related to the explosives.
His defense team argued that there was no evidence of an intent to harm, pointing out that trained bomb technicians had to rig the devices to make them functional.
“There is not a shred of evidence in the record that Mr. Spafford ever threatened anyone,” wrote defense attorneys Lawrence Woodward and Jerry Swartz in a motion. They added that their client has no prior criminal record.
Prosecutors Double Down
Prosecutors have countered that Spafford’s stockpile, combined with his expressed support for political violence, poses a clear danger. They noted that his possession of riot gear and a vest loaded with explosives underscores the potential for harm.
“While he is not known to have engaged in any apparent violence, he has certainly expressed interest in the same,” they wrote.
Court Decision
At a recent hearing, federal Magistrate Judge Lawrence Leonard ruled that Spafford could be released into house arrest at his mother’s home but delayed his release pending further government arguments.
Community and National Implications
The case has sparked widespread concern about the potential for domestic terrorism and the ease with which individuals can amass dangerous arsenals. The FBI continues to analyze Spafford’s devices and motives while emphasizing the importance of early reporting from concerned citizens.