In December, federal agents discovered one of the largest stockpiles of homemade explosives they’ve ever seized when they arrested Brad Spafford, a 36-year-old man from Virginia. He was initially arrested for possessing an unregistered firearm, but the search of his home led to the discovery of over 150 homemade bombs, including pipe bombs and other explosive devices. This find is being called one of the biggest seizures in FBI history.
The explosives were found in a detached garage on Spafford’s property in Isle of Wight County, northwest of Norfolk, Virginia. In addition to the bombs, agents found tools and materials used to make bombs, such as fuses and plastic pipes. They also discovered several bombs in a backpack in a bedroom of the home, which Spafford shared with his wife and two young children. The explosives were not secured properly, raising safety concerns.
Spafford has been charged with illegally possessing a firearm, specifically a short-barrel rifle. Prosecutors have indicated that he could face additional charges related to the explosives found in his home. However, his defense team argues that there is no evidence he intended to use the bombs for violence, pointing out that Spafford has no criminal record. They also questioned whether the devices were even functional, noting that trained bomb experts had to make adjustments to detonate the bombs.
The investigation began after a friend of Spafford’s informed the authorities that he had been stockpiling weapons and explosives. The informant also mentioned that Spafford had been hurt while making bombs in 2021 and that he had made troubling political statements. Authorities say that Spafford used pictures of President Joe Biden for target practice and even expressed support for political assassinations.
When the FBI searched Spafford’s property on December 17, they found the rifle and a large number of bombs, some of which were labeled as “lethal.” Many of the devices were detonated on-site for safety reasons. Some were kept for further examination. Spafford was initially held in jail but has since been placed under house arrest at his mother’s home while the investigation continues.
Prosecutors have stressed that Spafford’s actions, including making bombs labeled as “lethal” and expressing support for violence, make him a danger, even though he has not been directly involved in any violent acts so far.
