Who was Brad Spafford? Arrested after FBI uncovers massive cache of explosives in Virginia
The FBI found bomb-making components, military formulas, and weapons linked to far-right beliefs at his property, raising concerns about domestic extremism.
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| A Virginia man was arrested after the FBI discovered a large cache of explosives, weapons, and ammunition at his home. |
Brad Spafford, 36, from Isle of Wight County, Virginia, was arrested for having the largest collection of homemade explosives ever found by the FBI. A judge approved his bond on December 30 but paused it while waiting for a government appeal. Court papers show that the FBI seized over 150 pipe bombs and explosive devices during a raid on Spafford's 20-acre estate on December 17. Bomb squads found deadly explosives in a garage and unstable materials in freezers.
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| Biggest Cache Found |
| The neighbor also told authorities that Spafford was using photos of President Biden for target practice at a local shooting range. |
Weapons and Extremist Links
Investigators also found pipe bombs in a backpack with a grenade symbol and a "#NoLivesMatter" slogan, linked to far-right extremist groups promoting violence. Initially, Spafford was detained for having an unregistered short-barrel rifle. The discovery of explosives led to potential new charges, each possibly leading to 10 years in prison.
Court testimony revealed Spafford had parts for making explosives, like the very unstable chemical HMTD. Investigators found a notebook with recipes for military explosives. The investigation started in July 2021 after Spafford lost three fingers in an explosion. A neighbor reported him, mentioning Spafford's comments about preparing for something he couldn't handle alone.
| Shocking discovery: 150 explosive devices found on Virginia property, the largest cache of its kind in FBI history |
Spafford's bail was first set at $25,000 until prosecutors got an emergency stay. Detective Rachelann Cardwell presented evidence of the large weapons stockpile at the hearing. The Smithfield Times reported on the deadly explosives and materials found.
Federal prosecutors are expected to file more charges against Spafford. These could add to the firearms possession charge, which alone could mean up to 10 years in prison.
Spafford's arrest highlights growing concerns about domestic extremism and illegal weapon caches. The FBI's finding of explosives tied to extremist beliefs has worried the intelligence community. The investigation continues, with Spafford's bail status under review while more appeals are awaited. Prosecutors aim to add more charges based on ongoing forensic and material examinations.
