FBI Arrests Virginia Man Brad Kenneth Spafford for Largest Homemade Explosives Seizure in History

FBI agent holding a gun behind the back.

The FBI has made its largest seizure of homemade explosives in history at a Virginia farm, arresting Brad Kenneth Spafford for possession of over 150 pipe bombs.

At a Glance

FBI discovered over 150 pipe bombs at Brad Spafford’s Virginia farm, marking the largest cache of explosive devices seized in its history
Spafford was arrested on December 17 in Isle of Wight County after a tip-off about stockpiling weapons and homemade ammunition
Some devices were found in a backpack labeled “#nolivesmatter,” linked to a far-right, anti-government movement
Spafford is currently charged with possessing an unregistered short-barrelled rifle, with more charges expected

Unprecedented Seizure of Homemade Explosives

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has made what it calls “the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history” at a farm in Virginia. Brad Kenneth Spafford, the owner of the property, was arrested on December 17 in Isle of Wight County following a tip-off about stockpiling weapons and homemade ammunition. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and raised serious questions about domestic security threats.

During the raid, FBI agents uncovered an alarming array of explosive devices. Over 150 pipe bombs were found, many of which were organized by color in a detached garage. Some of these devices were hand-labeled as “lethal,” indicating their potential for causing significant harm. The sheer volume of explosives discovered has been described by federal prosecutors as “preliminarily assessed as the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history.”

The 'Largest Seizure of Homemade Explosives in FBI History", our story of a case in Virginia we've been following for a few weeks.https://t.co/ZI0rzwOm7g

— Seamus Hughes (@SeamusHughes) December 31, 2024

Details of the Investigation

The investigation into Spafford began in 2023 after an informant reported his stockpiling of weapons and ammunition. Upon executing a search warrant at Spafford’s home on Foursquare Road, which he shares with his wife and young children, FBI agents made the startling discovery. The bombs were constructed with two layers of plastic tubes and contained metal spheres to enhance fragmentation upon detonation.

“FBI bomb technicians, who X-rayed the devices on scene, assessed them as pipe bombs, The majority were found in a detached garage, organized by color. … Some were hand-labeled “lethal.”” – newly-filed document

Disturbingly, investigators also found a jar of HMTD, a highly volatile explosive, stored in a freezer accessible to children. This discovery, along with the presence of unsecured explosives throughout the property, highlights the dangerous nature of the situation. Due to the instability of the explosives, most devices were detonated on-site, with only a few retained for further analysis.

Legal Proceedings and Defense

Spafford is currently charged with possessing an unregistered short-barrelled rifle, though more charges are expected. A federal judge initially ordered Spafford’s release with electronic monitoring, but this decision is on hold as the government seeks pre-trial detention. The case is being handled in the U.S. District Court in Norfolk.

“There is not a shred of evidence in the record that Mr. Spafford ever threatened anyone and the contention that someone might be in danger because of their political views and comments is nonsensical” – defense lawyers

Spafford’s defense team argues that there is no evidence of him threatening anyone and claims the government’s danger assessment is speculative. They point to his lack of criminal record and absence of substance abuse history. However, prosecutors allege that Spafford used photos of President Biden for target practice and expressed hope for Vice-President Harris’s assassination, raising concerns about potential political motivations.

A Virginia man was arrested on a gun charge, and investigators say they found a stockpile of pipe bombs at his home. https://t.co/HEgiW2mmGY

— WJZ | CBS Baltimore (@wjz) January 1, 2025

Implications and Ongoing Concerns

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in identifying and neutralizing potential domestic threats. The discovery of such a large cache of homemade explosives in a residential area underscores the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with authorities. As the legal proceedings continue, the case will likely spark discussions about the balance between individual rights and public safety in the context of domestic security concerns.