Authorities highlight escalating dangers tied to far-right ideologies as investigations continue.
FBI Uncovers Historic Cache of Explosives on Virginia Farm
FBI Uncovers Historic Cache of Explosives on Virginia Farm
Virginia farm raid reveals one of the largest explosive caches in FBI history, raising alarm over potential threats.
The FBI has made a groundbreaking discovery, unearthing over 150 explosive devices during a raid on a Virginia farm, a strike deemed the largest cache seized by the agency to date. The arrest of Brad Spafford occurred on December 17 in Isle of Wight County, situated 180 miles (290km) south of Washington, D.C., following tips suggesting he was amassing a stockpile of weapons and improvised ammunition on the property he inhabits with his wife and two young children.
Among the alarming findings, investigators located devices stashed in a bedroom, hidden within an unsecured backpack marked with the phrase "#nolivesmatter," a reference linked to a far-right, anti-government faction. Spafford's legal representation contends he poses no threat to the public and is advocating for his release from pre-trial custody, although he has so far been charged only with possessing an unregistered short-barrel rifle—more serious accusations are anticipated.
On Tuesday, officials announced that the explosives collected were "preliminarily assessed as the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history." Allegedly, Spafford had used images of President Joe Biden for target practice and had made ominous comments wishing for Vice-President Kamala Harris's assassination. Court documents indicate he had been pursuing qualifications in sniper-rifle shooting at a nearby shooting range.
A neighbor, who previously served in law enforcement, took the initiative to record Spafford during a visit to the 20-acre farm, leading investigators to execute a search warrant that revealed explosives scattered throughout the home. An initial assessment by the FBI categorized the devices as "pipe bombs," the bulk of which were discovered organized by color in a detached garage, with some labeled "lethal." Additionally, several bombs were found stored in a wearable vest, and others unsecured in the labeled backpack.
The FBI also recovered a jar of HMTD, a volatile explosive known for its instability that can detonate simply due to temperature fluctuations, and does not require a detonator for activation. Alarmingly, the jar was reportedly stored in a freezer beside food accessible to children. According to the neighbor, Spafford had even mentioned the idea of reinforcing the property with a turret intended for a 50-caliber firearm installed on the roof.
Spafford, who had been employed at a machine shop, allegedly expressed belief in conspiracy theories positing that missing children are abducted by the government for training as school shooters. His attorney criticized the government's assertions of danger as "rank speculation and fear mongering," underscoring that Spafford has no prior criminal record. The presiding federal judge ordered him to be released with electronic monitoring, although this decision is currently suspended as the government seeks to maintain his pre-trial detention.
Among the alarming findings, investigators located devices stashed in a bedroom, hidden within an unsecured backpack marked with the phrase "#nolivesmatter," a reference linked to a far-right, anti-government faction. Spafford's legal representation contends he poses no threat to the public and is advocating for his release from pre-trial custody, although he has so far been charged only with possessing an unregistered short-barrel rifle—more serious accusations are anticipated.
On Tuesday, officials announced that the explosives collected were "preliminarily assessed as the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history." Allegedly, Spafford had used images of President Joe Biden for target practice and had made ominous comments wishing for Vice-President Kamala Harris's assassination. Court documents indicate he had been pursuing qualifications in sniper-rifle shooting at a nearby shooting range.
A neighbor, who previously served in law enforcement, took the initiative to record Spafford during a visit to the 20-acre farm, leading investigators to execute a search warrant that revealed explosives scattered throughout the home. An initial assessment by the FBI categorized the devices as "pipe bombs," the bulk of which were discovered organized by color in a detached garage, with some labeled "lethal." Additionally, several bombs were found stored in a wearable vest, and others unsecured in the labeled backpack.
The FBI also recovered a jar of HMTD, a volatile explosive known for its instability that can detonate simply due to temperature fluctuations, and does not require a detonator for activation. Alarmingly, the jar was reportedly stored in a freezer beside food accessible to children. According to the neighbor, Spafford had even mentioned the idea of reinforcing the property with a turret intended for a 50-caliber firearm installed on the roof.
Spafford, who had been employed at a machine shop, allegedly expressed belief in conspiracy theories positing that missing children are abducted by the government for training as school shooters. His attorney criticized the government's assertions of danger as "rank speculation and fear mongering," underscoring that Spafford has no prior criminal record. The presiding federal judge ordered him to be released with electronic monitoring, although this decision is currently suspended as the government seeks to maintain his pre-trial detention.
