Armed with stolen military weapons and surrounded by Nazi symbols, a Washington state home raided by federal agents reveals a dangerous convergence of extremism and military-grade firepower lurking in plain sight.
Key Takeaways
- FBI and Army raid in Lacey, Washington uncovered 35 military-grade weapons including an MG42 machine gun, grenade launchers, and explosives
- The home was decorated with Nazi paraphernalia and had rifles strategically positioned at windows throughout the residence
- Two suspects with ties to Nazi White Nationalist groups were arrested following an assault and theft at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
- The suspects face firearms-related charges and were scheduled to appear in US District Court in Tacoma
Military Weapons and Nazi Paraphernalia Discovered
A joint operation by the FBI and the US Army Criminal Investigation Division has uncovered a disturbing cache of stolen military weaponry and Nazi paraphernalia in a Lacey, Washington home. The raid, conducted with assistance from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, revealed an arsenal of 35 firearms including short-barrel rifles, an MG42 machine gun, grenade launchers, and explosive devices. The property, located near Olympia, was reportedly being used as a storage facility for weapons stolen from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a major Army installation approximately 15 miles away.
“The suspects identified in this case were actively involved in Nazi White Nationalist efforts,” said Derek Sanders, Thurston County Sheriff.
Military Base Assault Leads to Investigation
Law enforcement agencies executed the search warrant following an investigation into a violent assault that occurred at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. According to Sheriff Sanders, the raid was conducted “as a result of a violent robbery and theft of military weaponry/armor.” The FBI confirmed its involvement, stating they were “assisting our partners Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and Army Criminal Investigation Division” in the operation. The collaboration between military and civilian law enforcement highlights the seriousness of the security breach at the military installation.
“The FBI Seattle Field Office confirms that we were on scene in Lacey, Washington, assisting our partners Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and Army Criminal Investigation Division,” stated FBI officials.
Tactical Setup and Nazi Connections
What makes this discovery particularly alarming is the tactical positioning of weapons throughout the residence. Multiple rifles were found stationed at window sills, suggesting preparation for a defensive stand or potentially more sinister plans. The home was also decorated with Nazi paraphernalia, including flags and other symbols of the extremist ideology. In addition to the firearms, authorities seized body armor, ammunition, ballistic helmets, and other military equipment that had apparently been stolen from the nearby base.
“As a result of a violent robbery and theft of military weaponry/armor,” the search was conducted, said Derek Sanders, Thurston County Sheriff.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Two individuals were arrested during the raid and booked on firearms-related offenses. The suspects were expected to make their initial appearances in US District Court in Tacoma following their arrest. Additional information about the case was anticipated to be revealed in a federal criminal complaint that would be unsealed following their court appearance. The charges could potentially extend beyond weapons violations to include theft of military property and possible hate crime enhancements given the Nazi connection.
This case represents a troubling intersection of military security vulnerabilities, stolen weaponry, and extremist ideology. The involvement of individuals with Nazi White Nationalist ties possessing military-grade weapons raises significant concerns about domestic extremism and the potential for violence. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the suspects’ activities and whether they were connected to any larger extremist networks or planning specific attacks.
