Federal authorities have uncovered what prosecutors claim is the largest-ever cache of homemade explosives seized by the FBI, leading to the arrest of 36-year-old Brad Spafford of Virginia. A raid on Spafford’s 20-acre Isle of Wight County property on December 17th yielded over 150 pipe bombs and other explosive devices. Initially arrested on a single charge of possessing an unregistered short-barrel rifle, Spafford now faces significantly more serious charges.
The discovery of the explosives was made during a subsequent search of the property by bomb squads. Court documents detail the finding of devices marked “lethal” in a detached garage, and a backpack inside the house containing numerous pipe bombs. This backpack bore a hand grenade patch and a “#NoLivesMatter” logo, a slogan associated with a far-right extremist movement known for promoting violence through encrypted online channels, according to a recent New Jersey homeland security assessment. Further investigation revealed multiple components for manufacturing explosives, including the highly volatile compound HMTD, stored in garage freezers. A notebook containing recipes for military-grade explosives was also discovered.
Spafford’s bond hearing on December 30th shed further light on the case. Detective Rachelann Cardwell testified about the significant amount of explosive materials found, initially leading to a $25,000 bail. However, this was temporarily stayed pending a government appeal. The investigation, according to the *Smithfield Times*, was initiated following a July 2021 explosion that resulted in Spafford losing three fingers. A neighbor’s report to authorities, citing conversations where Spafford spoke of “preparing for something” he couldn’t do alone, further fueled the investigation.
Federal prosecutors have indicated that additional charges are likely, each carrying potentially lengthy sentences. Spafford currently faces up to 10 years imprisonment for the firearms charge alone.