The FBI recently made a shocking discovery when it seized the largest stockpile of homemade explosives ever found in the bureau’s history during the arrest of a Virginia man earlier this month. According to court documents, federal prosecutors are pushing to keep the man, Brad Spafford, in custody after his arrest on December 17 for allegedly possessing an unregistered short-barrel rifle.
The arrest was made at Spafford’s 20-acre farm in Isle of Wight County, where investigators executed a search warrant that led to the discovery of “a stockpile of more than 150 homemade improvised explosive devices,” which prosecutors believe were pipe bombs. Some of these devices were labeled “lethal” and were reportedly preloaded into an apparent wearable vest, which significantly raises concerns about the severity of the threat they posed.
Most of the devices were found in a detached garage, while others were uncovered in a backpack located in a bedroom. According to the authorities, the backpack was “completely unsecured,” meaning it was easily accessible, which added to the danger of the situation.
Prosecutors also revealed that Spafford had acknowledged keeping a jar of HMTD, a highly unstable explosive material, in his freezer. This material is so dangerous that it can explode from simple friction or even a slight temperature change.
The jar was reportedly stored right next to food items, and it was labeled with the warning “dangerous” and “do not touch.” This reckless behavior indicated just how much danger Spafford posed to his family and the wider community.
The investigation into Spafford began in early 2023 after a concerned neighbor alerted authorities to his stockpiling of weapons. The neighbor also mentioned that Spafford had lost three fingers on his right hand as a result of his work with homemade explosives.
Despite this grave accident, which should have been a wake-up call, Spafford continued to keep explosive materials in his home, including the dangerous jar of HMTD, in the freezer. Prosecutors argued that this behavior demonstrated Spafford’s complete disregard for safety and the immense danger he posed to others, suggesting he should remain in custody to prevent any further harm.
Further statements from the neighbor indicated that Spafford had been using photos of President Biden for target practice at a local shooting range. The neighbor also reported that Spafford held radical beliefs, including the idea that “political assassinations should be brought back.” In addition, Spafford allegedly believed that missing children in the news had been taken by the federal government to be trained as school shooters.
In one particularly disturbing claim, after an assassination attempt on President-elect Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally in July, Spafford allegedly remarked that he “hoped the shooter doesn’t miss Kamala.” This shows the extremist and violent views Spafford was harboring, adding to the justification for his continued detention.
In response, Spafford’s defense team has argued that he should be released pending trial, stating that he has no criminal record and has not been involved in any substance abuse or mental illness. They have contested the idea that Spafford is a threat, describing him as a “hard-working family man” who is being unfairly characterized.
The defense claims that there is no substantial evidence proving that Spafford ever made a direct threat to anyone and that his political comments should not be taken as genuine threats. His lawyers maintain that the allegations against him are exaggerated and that he is not a danger to the public.
Despite the defense’s claims, federal prosecutors are working to ensure that Spafford remains behind bars, arguing that his actions clearly show he poses a serious threat to public safety. The discovery of such a large quantity of homemade explosives, coupled with his apparent disregard for safety, has raised major concerns among authorities.
The case has brought to light serious issues regarding the stockpiling of dangerous materials and the potential for violence, especially when combined with the extremist views allegedly held by Spafford.
This case has brought the issue of domestic extremism and the dangers of homemade explosives to the forefront. It serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by individuals who harbor violent beliefs and choose to take matters into their own hands.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to ensure that Spafford’s dangerous actions do not result in further harm to others. His detention remains a critical part of the ongoing legal process, with prosecutors making it clear that they believe he is an ongoing threat to both his community and the public at large.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
