FBI press releases or official news reports

FBI Arrests Brad Spafford After Uncovering 150 Lethal Homemade Explosives at Virginia Farm

Dec 31, 2024, 11:24 PM

The FBI has uncovered what it describes as the largest cache of homemade explosives in its history at a farm in Virginia. Brad Spafford, 36, was arrested on December 17 after authorities discovered over 150 homemade explosive devices, including pipe bombs labeled as 'lethal,' at his property in Smithfield, Virginia. The seizure followed a search prompted by a tip from a neighbor, who reported Spafford's stockpiling of weapons and ammunition. The devices were found in various locations on the property, including a detached garage and a bedroom, with some stored in an unsecured backpack marked with the phrase '#nolivesmatter.' Additionally, a jar of the highly volatile explosive HMTD was found in a freezer next to food items, accessible to Spafford's two young children. Spafford, who lived with his wife and two young children, was initially charged with possessing an unregistered short-barrel rifle, but further charges related to the explosives are expected. The FBI's investigation revealed that Spafford had used images of President Joe Biden for target practice and expressed support for political assassinations, raising concerns about his potential threat to the community.