FBI Seizes 150 Homemade Bombs in Virginia’s Largest Explosives Bust/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Federal agents discovered over 150 homemade explosive devices in a Virginia man’s home, marking one of the largest seizures in FBI history. The suspect, Brad Spafford, faces firearms charges and potential additional counts related to the explosives. Investigators allege a troubling interest in violence, though defense attorneys contest the claims.
Virginia Explosives Seizure: Quick Looks
- Massive Stockpile: FBI found 150 pipe bombs and bomb-making materials at Brad Spafford’s Isle of Wight County home.
- Historical Discovery: Prosecutors called it the largest seizure of explosive devices in FBI history.
- Alleged Motives: Court documents cite Spafford’s support for political assassinations and use of presidential photos for target practice.
- Defense Argument: Lawyers claim no evidence of violent intent, citing Spafford’s lack of a criminal record.
- Current Status: Spafford remains detained as the investigation continues.
FBI Seizes 150 Homemade Bombs in Virginia’s Largest Explosives Bust
Deep Look
Federal agents uncovered an alarming cache of more than 150 explosive devices in a Virginia man’s home in Isle of Wight County, making it the largest such seizure in FBI history. The discovery, made during a firearms investigation, has raised significant concerns about potential threats and motivations.
The Discovery
On December 17, law enforcement agents searched the property of 36-year-old Brad Spafford, uncovering pipe bombs, bomb-making materials, and tools. Most of the devices were found in a detached garage, while others were located unsecured inside the home Spafford shared with his wife and two young children.
The FBI reported that some devices were labeled “lethal,” and several were loaded into a wearable vest. Bomb technicians deemed most of the explosives unsafe to transport and detonated them on-site.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Spafford is charged with possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle, a violation of the National Firearms Act, with prosecutors indicating additional charges related to the explosives are likely.
Defense attorneys argue there is no evidence Spafford intended harm, pointing out that the devices required specialized expertise to detonate.
“There is not a shred of evidence in the record that Mr. Spafford ever threatened anyone,” they wrote in a motion.
Despite these claims, federal prosecutors maintain that Spafford poses a danger, citing his alleged interest in political violence.
Alleged Motives and Background
The investigation began in 2023 after a tip from a friend who described Spafford’s fascination with explosives and firearms. The informant said Spafford had disfigured his hand in 2021 while working on homemade bombs, leaving him with only two fingers on his right hand.
Prosecutors allege Spafford expressed support for political assassinations, used photos of President Joe Biden for target practice, and labeled some of the devices “lethal.” The informant also claimed Spafford had stockpiled weapons and ammunition.
Public Safety Concerns
In court filings, prosecutors highlighted Spafford’s possession of riot gear, a bomb vest, and materials consistent with violent intent. “While he is not known to have engaged in violence, he has certainly expressed interest in the same,” they wrote.
Spafford remains in custody after a federal judge temporarily delayed his potential release to house arrest at his mother’s home, pending further arguments from prosecutors.
Historical Context and Precedents
This case highlights growing concerns over domestic threats and the misuse of explosives. The FBI has emphasized the challenges of preventing violence in cases involving stockpiles of materials that could endanger public safety.
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