Large Stockpile of Explosives Uncovered on Virginia Farm
Man Arrested for Largest-Ever FBI Seizure of Explosive Devices
In a shocking turn of events, Brad Spafford, a 36-year-old resident of Isle of Wight County, Virginia, has been arrested and charged with possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle and an unregistered destructive device. The charges stem from an FBI raid in December 2024, during which authorities confiscated about 150 homemade pipe bombs and other explosive devices from his home [1][2][3][4].
The raid is believed to be the largest collection of explosive devices ever confiscated by the FBI. The bombs found were preliminarily assessed as the largest seizure of finished explosive devices in the history of the FBI [5]. The investigation began in 2023 after a law enforcement friend informed authorities about Spafford stockpiling weapons and ammunition.
Court papers reveal Spafford used photos of then-President Joe Biden for target practice and expressed extremist views advocating political assassinations. Following a 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump, Spafford was quoted as saying, "Bro, I hope the shooter doesn’t miss Kamala,” indicating hostile political sentiments [1][3].
In addition to pipe bombs, several bombs were discovered in a wearable vest, and investigators uncovered a volatile explosive known as HMTD, stored in a jar labeled "Dangerous" and "Do Not Touch," which was located in a freezer near food accessible to the children residing in the home [6]. Additional charges are anticipated against Spafford.
Despite these findings, Spafford's attorney argues that there is no prior criminal history and no evidence that he ever threatened anyone [7]. A federal judge ruled that Spafford should be released under electronic monitoring, but this decision is currently on hold as the government seeks his continued detention prior to trial [8].
Some of the explosive devices were found in an unsecured backpack within a bedroom labeled "#nolivesmatter." Spafford had allegedly speculated that missing children were abducted by the federal government for the purpose of being trained as school shooters [9]. Furthermore, Spafford discussed plans to enhance security at his farm, including the installation of a turret for a 50-caliber gun [10].
The neighbor with a law enforcement background reported that Brad Spafford continued to create explosives after losing three fingers in a homemade explosive device accident in 2021 [11]. The legal process is ongoing, with sentencing set for later in 2025.
Brad Spafford was arrested in Isle of Wight County, located approximately 180 miles south of Washington, D.C. [12]. Spafford's lawyer is seeking his release from pre-trial detention, claiming he does not pose a threat to the community [13]. The neighbor recorded discussions with Spafford that prompted the subsequent FBI investigation [14].
[1] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-county-man-arrested-for-possession-of-unregistered-destructive-device/ [2] https://www.wavy.com/news/crime/feds-charge-isle-of-wight-county-man-with-possession-of-unregistered-short-barreled-rifle-destructive-device/ [3] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-county-man-accused-of-making-threats-to-kill-president-and-vice-president/ [4] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-county-man-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charges-related-to-explosive-devices-found-on-his-property/ [5] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-county-man-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charges-related-to-explosive-devices-found-on-his-property/ [6] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-county-man-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charges-related-to-explosive-devices-found-on-his-property/ [7] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-county-man-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charges-related-to-explosive-devices-found-on-his-property/ [8] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-county-man-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charges-related-to-explosive-devices-found-on-his-property/ [9] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-county-man-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charges-related-to-explosive-devices-found-on-his-property/ [10] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-county-man-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charges-related-to-explosive-devices-found-on-his-property/ [11] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-county-man-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charges-related-to-explosive-devices-found-on-his-property/ [12] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-county-man-arrested-for-possession-of-unregistered-destructive-device/ [13] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-county-man-pleads-guilty-to-federal-charges-related-to-explosive-devices-found-on-his-property/ [14] https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/isle-of-wight-county/isle-of-wight-county-man-arrested-for-possession-of-unregistered-destructive-device/
In the wake of the FBI's largest-ever seizure of explosive devices, the political and general news landscape is rife with discussions about the potential role of war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice in such incidents. For instance, court papers reveal that the arrested individual, Brad Spafford, expressed extremist views advocating political assassinations, indicating a possible intersection of politics and violent crimes. Moreover, the discovery of explosive devices in a bedroom labeled "#nolivesmatter" suggests potential ties between controversial social movements and acts of terrorism.
