A 36-year-old Virginia man, Brad Spafford, has been arrested in what authorities are calling the largest seizure of homemade explosives in FBI history.
The discovery, made earlier this month, included over 150 improvised explosive devices and a significant stockpile of weapons and ammunition.
The arrest followed an investigation into Spafford’s activities, which began with a comparatively minor charge: possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle.
However, the search of Spafford’s 20-acre property in Smithfield, Virginia, revealed a far more alarming situation. The homemade explosives were described by federal agents as “lethal,” and Spafford is now being labeled as an “extreme danger to the community.”
In addition to the explosive devices, authorities noted that Spafford reportedly used images of President Joe Biden for target practice.
The FBI also found evidence suggesting that Spafford had been stockpiling weapons and ammunition for an extended period.
According to a sworn affidavit by an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force agent, Spafford sustained injuries to his hand in a 2021 incident involving a homemade explosive device, leaving several of his fingers disfigured.
Key information in the case came from a confidential human source (CHS), who had firsthand knowledge of Spafford’s activities. The CHS reported observing Spafford’s injuries after the 2021 explosion and alleged that he and his associates were preparing for an unspecified event.
The CHS recounted visits to shooting ranges with Spafford, where they noticed him using a rifle that appeared to be a short-barrel weapon, which is illegal if unregistered.
Spafford also reportedly showed the CHS a “go box” in his vehicle, containing medical supplies, food, water, ammunition, and multiple weapons, including what appeared to be a short-barrel rifle.
The CHS further revealed that Spafford boasted about manufacturing approximately 50 rounds of ammunition daily and moving hundreds of pounds of ammunition to his property, though he claimed not to have reached 10,000 rounds yet.
The investigation gained momentum when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that Spafford did not have the required tax stamps or licenses for short-barrel rifles or explosive materials.
Photographic evidence of Spafford’s “go box,” which was sent to federal agents, showed weapons that appeared to violate federal regulations.
FBI Special Agent Megan Shumaker confirmed that the barrel length of one of the rifles was likely shorter than the legal limit of 16 inches.
The arrest and subsequent search of Spafford’s property uncovered what the FBI described as the largest cache of “finished explosive devices” in the agency’s history.
Investigators recovered over 150 homemade pipe bombs and other improvised explosive devices, all ready for use.
Spafford’s arrest originated from his possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle, but the charges quickly escalated as evidence of his explosive stockpile emerged. Federal agents now allege that Spafford’s activities posed a severe threat to public safety.
The FBI found the largest cache of "finished explosive devices" in the bureau's history during the arrest of a Virginia man earlier this month. Investigators recovered "a stockpile of more than 150 homemade improvised explosive devices." https://t.co/xysXdrsbEn pic.twitter.com/b1l9cw2ijZ
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) December 31, 2024
Authorities are continuing to investigate Spafford’s motives and the extent of his network. The criminal complaint highlights concerns that Spafford and his associates were preparing for a coordinated event that he could not execute alone.
The case has sparked widespread concern in the local community and beyond. CBS Evening News reported on the discovery, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of the explosives stockpile.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in addressing domestic threats. Federal agents are now working to ensure that Spafford faces justice while taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Brad Spafford’s arrest has revealed a shocking level of preparation for potential violence. With over 150 homemade explosive devices and an arsenal of illegal weapons, the case underscores the critical role of law enforcement and federal agencies in safeguarding public safety. As the investigation unfolds, Spafford faces serious charges that could result in substantial penalties.