FBI Seizes Over 150 Deadly Explosives From Virginia Man’s Home
In a stunning development last month, the FBI seized more than 150 homemade pipe bombs from a 20-acre property in Virginia, marking what prosecutors believe to be “the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history.”
Brad Spafford, a 36-year-old resident of Norfolk, was arrested last month on unlawful weapons charges following an extensive investigation. The FBI’s interest in Spafford was piqued when a neighbor reported his alleged stockpiling of weapons and homemade ammunition.
Acting swiftly, federal agents executed a search warrant on Dec. 17 and uncovered a dangerous cache of explosives, according to the Associated Press.
The homemade bombs were located in a backpack in a detached garage on Spafford’s property. Some of the bombs were notably preloaded into an apparent wearable vest. Disturbingly, certain devices were marked as “lethal,” indicating their potentially deadly nature. X-ray scans conducted on the scene confirmed the explosive materials, confirming the gravity of the find.
This discovery has added another layer of complexity to Spafford’s criminal profile. In 2021, court documents reveal that Spafford suffered the loss of three fingers on his right hand while handling one of his own explosive devices, according to CNN. Despite this, authorities allege that he continued his dangerous activities, leading to the substantial weapons cache found during the December search.
Spafford now faces serious legal charges. Initially arrested on one count of possessing an unlawful firearm, prosecutors have indicated that additional charges related to the explosive devices are forthcoming. In light of the severe threat posed by the explosives, prosecutors have requested that Spafford remain in custody while awaiting trial.
During a Tuesday hearing, federal Magistrate Judge Lawrence Leonard allowed Spafford to be placed under house arrest at his mother’s home but ruled to keep him detained while the government presents additional arguments.
His attorneys, however, have argued that there is no concrete evidence linking their client to any attempted acts of violence. They stated that “professionally trained explosive technicians had to rig the devices to explode them,” implying that Spafford lacked the technical know-how to detonate the bombs. Despite these claims, the authorities maintain that Spafford’s history of dangerous rhetoric and actions pose a significant threat to public safety.
Court filings also reveal troubling details about Spafford’s views and behavior. In one instance, he allegedly used photographs of President Joe Biden for target practice.
Additionally, Spafford is said to have expressed support for political assassinations. Disturbingly, following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in July, Spafford reportedly told his neighbor that he hoped the shooter did not miss Vice President Kamala Harris.
Though Spafford has no prior criminal record, law enforcement authorities assert that his growing stockpile of explosive devices, coupled with his unsettling rhetoric and actions, warrant his continued detention. The FBI had been closely monitoring Spafford for approximately two years, using a confidential human source who was reportedly a friend and confidant of the suspect. Despite the extensive surveillance, his attorneys argue that no violent actions have been committed.
As the investigation continues, authorities are bracing for more potential charges related to the explosive materials found on Spafford’s property.
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