Authorities report the discovery of over 150 bombs at a farm in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, following an investigation into Brad Spafford, who was apprehended after a tip-off regarding his accumulation of weapons and homemade ammunition. Suspected of far-right affiliations, Spafford's explosive stockpile raises serious community safety concerns, although his lawyer argues he poses no threat.
FBI Discovers Extensive Bomb Stockpile on Virginia Farm
FBI Discovers Extensive Bomb Stockpile on Virginia Farm
The FBI uncovers what is believed to be the largest explosive cache in its history during a raid in Virginia, leading to the arrest of a local man amidst grave allegations.
The FBI has revealed what may possibly be the largest explosive cache ever seized in the agency's history, locating more than 150 bombs during a recent raid at a Virginia farm. The raid, conducted on December 17, targeted Brad Spafford, who was arrested following tips that he had been stockpiling dangerous weapons and homemade ammunition.
Spafford, who lives with his wife and two young children, faces initial charges related to the possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle. Investigators, however, believe that further charges could be forthcoming given the scale of the explosive cache found at his property, 180 miles south of Washington, D.C.
Significant to the investigation was the recovery of various bombs, including pipe bombs, stored both in a detached garage and unsecured in a backpack labeled "#nolivesmatter," a phrase allegedly linked to an extremist movement. Court documents indicate that Spafford had previously discussed creating dangerous explosive devices even after suffering severe injuries in a prior incident involving homemade explosives.
Compounding the concerns, a jar of HMTD, a highly unstable explosive, was found stored next to food in the family freezer, thus raising alarms about the potential risks to the children in the household. Investigators were alerted to Spafford's activities by a neighbor who, after recording conversations, reported on Spafford’s alleged plans and bizarre beliefs related to missing children and firearms.
Defense counsel for Spafford contends that the allegations stem from "rank speculation" and highlights that he does not have a criminal history. While the court initially favored his release under electronic surveillance, the government is contesting this decision, seeking to maintain him in pre-trial detention amid community safety concerns. The case continues to unfold as the FBI evaluates the significance of its findings.
Spafford, who lives with his wife and two young children, faces initial charges related to the possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle. Investigators, however, believe that further charges could be forthcoming given the scale of the explosive cache found at his property, 180 miles south of Washington, D.C.
Significant to the investigation was the recovery of various bombs, including pipe bombs, stored both in a detached garage and unsecured in a backpack labeled "#nolivesmatter," a phrase allegedly linked to an extremist movement. Court documents indicate that Spafford had previously discussed creating dangerous explosive devices even after suffering severe injuries in a prior incident involving homemade explosives.
Compounding the concerns, a jar of HMTD, a highly unstable explosive, was found stored next to food in the family freezer, thus raising alarms about the potential risks to the children in the household. Investigators were alerted to Spafford's activities by a neighbor who, after recording conversations, reported on Spafford’s alleged plans and bizarre beliefs related to missing children and firearms.
Defense counsel for Spafford contends that the allegations stem from "rank speculation" and highlights that he does not have a criminal history. While the court initially favored his release under electronic surveillance, the government is contesting this decision, seeking to maintain him in pre-trial detention amid community safety concerns. The case continues to unfold as the FBI evaluates the significance of its findings.
