150 homemade bombs found at Virginia home

Federal authorities in Virginia have uncovered what they describe as the largest stockpile of homemade explosive devices in FBI history.

Over 150 pipe bombs have been seized from the property of Brad Spafford, a 36-year-old resident of Isle of Wight County. Spafford was arrested in December on a firearms charge, but the discovery has prompted prosecutors to describe the cache as an unprecedented public safety risk.

Why It Matters

The case has raised alarms among law enforcement and counterterrorism experts about domestic extremism and the potential dangers posed by such a large stockpile of explosives. In a court filing, prosecutors revealed that Spafford expressed support for political violence and used pictures of President Joe Biden for target practice.

This, combined with his creation of explosive devices labeled “lethal,” has fueled concerns about Spafford’s intentions. Documents report he had spoken about wanting to “bring back political assassination.”

What To Know

Spafford’s property was searched on Dec. 17 by FBI agents. He shares the home with his wife and two children.

An informant, who was a friend of Spafford, tipped off authorities in 2023, reporting that Spafford had disfigured his hand in 2021 while working with explosives. This injury left him with only two fingers on one hand. The informant also reported that Spafford had voiced support for political assassinations and was stockpiling weapons and ammunition. Following the failed assassination attempt on President-elect Donald Trump in July, it was reported that he told the informant he “hoped the shooter doesn’t miss Kamala [Harris].”

Spafford’s attorneys argue there is no evidence of malicious intent, but prosecutors have highlighted troubling statements and behavior as potential indications of extremist views. According to court documents, most of the bombs were located in a detached garage, while others were found unsecured in a backpack inside the house. Some devices were preloaded into a wearable vest, and bomb-making materials including fuses and PVC pipes were also seized.

The FBI’s search also uncovered several explosives that technicians deemed too unstable to transport, leading to their on-site detonation. A jar of the highly sensitive explosive HMTD was discovered in a freezer alongside food items. Investigators also found a short-barrel rifle in Spafford’s possession, leading to charges for possession of an unregistered firearm under the National Firearms Act.

Prosecutors have indicated that Spafford may face additional charges related to the explosives, but he currently faces a single count of firearm possession. His attorneys argue that there is no evidence he intended to use the explosives for harm, emphasizing that professionally trained technicians had to rig the devices to make them explode.

Newsweek has reached out to Spafford’s attorneys by email for comment.

What People Are Saying

Brad Spafford’s neighbor told authorities: Spafford was vocal in his belief that “political assassinations should be brought back” and that “missing children in the news had been taken by the federal government to be trained as school shooters.”

Spafford’s defense attorneys Lawrence Woodward and Jerry Swartz said in a court filing: “There is not a shred of evidence in the record that Mr. Spafford ever threatened anyone.” They argue that Spafford’s comments about political leaders, while controversial, are protected under the First Amendment.

What Happens Next

Spafford’s legal proceedings are ongoing. A federal magistrate judge initially ruled that Spafford could be released under house arrest at his mother’s home, but prosecutors appealed the decision, arguing that he poses an extreme danger to the community. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 3, where additional charges may be presented.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is continuing its investigation into Spafford’s activities, examining possible connections to extremist groups and the intended use of the explosives.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press