Federal authorities have arrested a Virginia man in what is being described as the largest seizure of completed explosive devices in FBI history. Brad Spafford, 36, was taken into custody on December 17 at his Isle of Wight County home, where agents discovered over 150 homemade bombs and a short-barrel rifle, court filings revealed. Spafford faces charges of unlawful possession of the unregistered firearm, with additional charges related to the explosives likely forthcoming.
The arsenal included pipe bombs labeled "lethal," along with tools and materials used to manufacture explosives. Many of the devices were found in a detached garage, while others were discovered in a backpack inside the home. Disturbingly, Spafford lived in the house with his wife and two young children, raising significant safety concerns.
Federal prosecutors stated in a detention memo that this case marks "the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history." FBI technicians detonated most of the bombs on-site due to safety concerns but retained several for further analysis. Photos submitted as evidence showed explosive materials stored in the family's freezer, next to food items, with jars labeled "Dangerous" and "Do Not Touch."
The investigation began in 2023 when a tipster informed authorities that Spafford had been stockpiling weapons and ammunition. The informant, a friend of Spafford, also reported that he had injured his hand while working with explosives, resulting in the loss of several fingers. The tipster alleged Spafford used images of President Joe Biden for target practice and expressed support for political assassinations, saying such acts "should be brought back."
Authorities described the scene as a potential public safety catastrophe. Prosecutors emphasized Spafford's interest in violence, citing his possession of a vest loaded with pipe bombs and his alleged support for extremist ideologies. The backpack containing some of the explosive devices was emblazoned with the phrase "#nolivesmatter," a slogan linked to an extremist ideology promoting mass violence and targeted attacks.
The cache also included improvised riot gear, tools for bomb-making, and sniper-rifle training records, suggesting a concerning level of preparation. Prosecutors argued against Spafford's release, stating he posed an "extreme danger" to his family, neighbors, and law enforcement officers who might be tasked with monitoring him under house arrest.
At a preliminary hearing, federal Magistrate Judge Lawrence Leonard initially approved Spafford's release into house arrest at his mother's home but reversed the decision after prosecutors presented further arguments. The judge agreed to detain Spafford while investigators build their case, citing the potential danger he represents.
Defense attorneys have pushed back, arguing that there is no evidence Spafford intended to harm anyone. They highlighted that the devices required professional technicians to detonate them, questioning whether they were operational. "There is not a shred of evidence in the record that Mr. Spafford ever threatened anyone," attorneys Lawrence Woodward and Jerry Swartz wrote in a motion, adding that Spafford has no prior criminal record.
Prosecutors countered that the lack of immediate violence does not mitigate the severity of the case. "While he is not known to have engaged in any apparent violence, he has certainly expressed interest in the same, through his manufacture of pope bombs marked 'lethal,' his possession of riot gear and a vest loaded with pipe bombs, his support for political assassinations and use of the pictures of the President for target practice," they argued.
Authorities believe Spafford's activities were likely self-directed, with no known ties to organized groups. However, the FBI has not ruled out further connections and is continuing to investigate his motivations and potential networks.
