Federal agents discovered one of the largest stockpiles of homemade explosives ever seized during the arrest of a Virginia man, Brad Spafford, on a firearms charge. The search of Spafford’s home in Isle of Wight County uncovered over 150 pipe bombs and other homemade devices, making it the largest seizure of finished explosive devices in FBI history. Most of the bombs were found in a detached garage, along with bomb-making materials such as fuses and plastic pipes. Additional apparent pipe bombs were also found in a backpack in the bedroom of the home shared by Spafford, his wife, and two children.
Spafford, 36, was charged with possession of a firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act, specifically owning an unregistered short barrel rifle. Prosecutors mentioned the possibility of additional charges related to the explosives. However, defense attorneys argued that there was no evidence of Spafford planning violence and highlighted his lack of a criminal record. They also questioned the usability of the explosive devices, claiming that professionally trained technicians had to rig them to explode. The defense lawyers sought further comment on the case.
The investigation into Spafford began in 2023 after an informant reported that he was stockpiling weapons and ammunition. The informant, a friend of Spafford’s, shared that Spafford had injured his hand in 2021 while working on homemade explosives, resulting in him having only two fingers on his right hand. Additionally, the informant stated that Spafford used pictures of the president for target practice and expressed support for political assassinations. Law enforcement officers and bomb technicians conducted a thorough search of the property and found a rifle, explosive devices labeled as “lethal,” and a vest loaded with pipe bombs. Most of the devices were detonated on-site due to safety concerns, while some were kept for analysis.
During a hearing, federal Magistrate Judge Lawrence Leonard ruled that Spafford could be released to house arrest at his mother’s home, but he would remain detained as the government files further arguments. Prosecutors emphasized the potential danger posed by Spafford, citing his manufacturing of lethal pipe bombs, possession of riot gear, and express support for political assassinations. While there was no evidence of actual violence, prosecutors highlighted Spafford’s interest in violence through his actions and statements. The case continues to unfold as authorities gather more evidence and arguments are presented in court.
