FBI agents uncover an unprecedented cache of over 150 homemade bombs on a Virginia farm, raising serious concerns about public safety and illegal weapons possession.
At a Glance
- FBI discovers largest cache of homemade bombs in agency history during raid on Virginia farm
- Brad Spafford arrested on firearms charges, with more charges expected
- Explosives found scattered throughout property, some labeled “lethal”
- Suspect allegedly used photos of President Biden for target practice
- Federal judge’s decision to release Spafford on hold as government seeks pre-trial detention
Record-Breaking Bomb Cache Discovery
FBI agents conducted a raid on a farm in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, resulting in the arrest of Brad Spafford and the discovery of what investigators have described as “preliminarily assessed as the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history.” The operation, which began after a tip-off about stockpiling weapons and homemade ammunition, has sent shockwaves through law enforcement and raised serious questions about public safety.
The scale of the bomb cache is staggering. Over 150 homemade explosive devices were found scattered throughout the property, with pipe bombs primarily stored in a detached garage. Many of these devices were sorted by color, and some were ominously labeled as “lethal.” The discovery has prompted immediate action from federal authorities, who are now grappling with the potential threat posed by such a massive stockpile of illegal explosives.
A Virginia man was arrested after federal agents seized 150 pipe bombs from his home on a 20-acre farm outside Newport News, the largest stockpile of homemade explosives ever found by the FBI, prosecutors said.https://t.co/LMvIxe1pkf
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 1, 2025
Suspects Concerning Behavior and Beliefs
Spafford’s arrest has brought to light a series of troubling behaviors and beliefs. According to court documents, he allegedly used photos of President Joe Biden for target practice and expressed hope for Vice-President Kamala Harris’s assassination. These actions, combined with the discovery of an unsecured backpack labeled “#nolivesmatter” containing explosive devices in a bedroom, have raised red flags about potential links to far-right, anti-government movements.
The investigation also revealed that Spafford had discussed fortifying his property with a turret for a 50-caliber firearm and held bizarre beliefs about missing children being taken by the government to be trained as school shooters. These factors have contributed to prosecutors’ arguments that Spafford poses a significant danger to the community.
Legal Proceedings and Safety Concerns
Spafford is currently charged with possessing an unregistered short-barrelled rifle, though more charges are expected as the investigation unfolds. A federal judge initially ordered Spafford’s release with electronic monitoring, but this decision is on hold as the government seeks pre-trial detention, citing the extreme danger posed by the suspect and his arsenal.
The case has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating illegal weapons and explosives. Most of the devices found on Spafford’s property had to be detonated on site due to safety concerns, with only a few retained for analysis. The discovery of a jar of HMTD, a highly volatile explosive, stored in a freezer next to food accessible to children, underscores the reckless disregard for safety that authorities are contending with.
After the recent attacks in Las Vegas and New Orleans, this discovery is deeply concerning as many citizens fear another attack and has the year off to an anxious start.
Sources:
FBI finds largest explosive cache on a Virginia farm
FBI finds 150 homemade bombs at Virginia home in one of the largest such seizures, prosecutors say
FBI collects 150 homemade bombs at Virginia home in one of largest such seizures, prosecutors say
