FBI found 150 bombs in Virginia home search in December, prosecutors say

Federal agents made a shocking discovery when they arrested Brad Spafford in Virginia last month on a firearms charge. In a court filing by federal prosecutors, it was revealed that investigators found one of the largest stockpiles of homemade explosives they have ever seized. More than 150 pipe bombs and other homemade devices were confiscated when they searched Spafford’s home, where he lives with his wife and two young children.

The search, which took place in Isle of Wight County northwest of Norfolk, uncovered a plethora of bomb-making materials, including fuses, plastic pipe pieces, and tools. Most of the bombs were found in a detached garage on the property, with several additional pipe bombs discovered in a backpack in the home’s bedroom. The prosecutors described this seizure as the largest by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history.

Spafford, 36, was charged with possession of a firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act for owning an unregistered short barrel rifle. However, prosecutors indicated that he could face numerous additional charges related to the explosives found on the property. Despite his lack of a criminal record, defense attorneys argued that there is no evidence to suggest that Spafford was planning any violent acts. They also questioned the usability of the explosive devices, as they had to be rigged by explosive technicians for detonation.

The investigation into Spafford began in 2023 when an informant informed authorities that he was stockpiling weapons and ammunition. The informant, a friend of Spafford, revealed that he had injured his hand in 2021 while working on homemade explosives and only has two fingers on his right hand. The informant also reported that Spafford used pictures of the president for target practice and expressed support for political assassinations.

During a search of the property on December 17th, law enforcement officers found a rifle and multiple explosive devices, some of which were labeled as “lethal” and loaded into a wearable vest. Due to safety concerns, technicians detonated most of the devices on-site, keeping a few for further analysis.

At a hearing on Tuesday, a federal Magistrate Judge determined that Spafford could be released into house arrest at his mother’s home but ultimately decided to keep him detained while the government files additional arguments. Prosecutors emphasized that while Spafford has not engaged in any apparent violence, his possession of pipe bombs, riot gear, and his support for political assassinations make him a potential threat to the community.