NORFOLK, Va. — Federal prosecutors have revealed that agents discovered one of the most significant caches of homemade explosives ever seized in the United States. The arrest of Brad Spafford, 36, in December on firearms charges led to the discovery of over 150 pipe bombs and explosive devices at his home in Isle of Wight County, northwest of Norfolk, Virginia.
Unprecedented Seizure
Prosecutors described the find as “the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history.” Most of the bombs were located in a detached garage, along with tools and bomb-making materials such as fuses and plastic pipes. Additional pipe bombs were found unsecured in a backpack inside the home, which Spafford shares with his wife and two young children.
“Several additional apparent pipe bombs were found in a backpack in the home’s bedroom, completely unsecured,” prosecutors noted in court documents.
Firearms Charges and Potential Additional Counts
Spafford has been charged with possession of a firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act due to owning an unregistered short-barrel rifle. However, prosecutors suggested that “numerous additional potential charges” related to the explosives are likely forthcoming.
Defense Pushes Back
Spafford’s defense attorneys, Lawrence Woodward and Jerry Swartz, argued that there is no evidence suggesting he intended violence. They also questioned whether the seized explosive devices were functional, pointing out that trained technicians had to detonate the devices themselves.
“There is not a shred of evidence in the record that Mr. Spafford ever threatened anyone, and the contention that someone might be in danger because of their political views and comments is nonsensical,” the defense team wrote.
Spafford has no prior criminal record, and the defense highlighted the lack of evidence tying him to specific threats.
A Troubling History
Court documents indicate that the investigation began in 2023 after a tip from an informant, identified as a friend of Spafford’s. The informant told authorities Spafford had been stockpiling weapons and ammunition and had disfigured his hand in 2021 while working on homemade explosives.
Prosecutors also reported that Spafford was using pictures of President Joe Biden for target practice and had expressed support for political assassinations. The cache of weapons included a vest loaded with pipe bombs, riot gear, and devices labeled “lethal.” Most of the explosives were deemed too dangerous to transport and were detonated on-site, though some were preserved for analysis.
Court Ruling on Detention
At a hearing on Tuesday, federal Magistrate Judge Lawrence Leonard determined that Spafford could potentially be released to house arrest at his mother’s home. However, he agreed to keep him in detention temporarily while the government submits additional arguments.
Prosecutors reiterated their concerns about Spafford’s dangerousness in a motion, stating:
“While he is not known to have engaged in any apparent violence, he has certainly expressed interest in the same, through his manufacture of pipe bombs marked ‘lethal,’ his possession of riot gear and a vest loaded with pipe bombs, his support for political assassinations, and use of the pictures of the President for target practice.”
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under investigation as prosecutors work to determine Spafford’s motives and whether additional charges will be filed. The discovery of such a massive stockpile has raised questions about the potential dangers of unregulated explosive devices and the importance of vigilance in preventing similar incidents.
This unprecedented seizure underscores the risks associated with the proliferation of homemade explosives and the need for continued efforts to protect public safety.
