Last month, the FBI arrested a Virginia man named Brad Spafford after uncovering what they’re calling the largest stash of pipe bombs in the agency’s history. This shocking discovery happened on Spafford’s farm in Isle of Wight County, just outside Norfolk. The 36-year-old man was found to be in possession of a short-barreled rifle and a staggering 150 pipe bombs. Some of these bombs were even labeled “lethal,” according to court documents.
The story of how Spafford came under investigation began earlier this year when the FBI received a tip about his activities. Agents learned that Spafford had been stockpiling weapons and ammunition on his farm. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time explosives have caused him harm. Back in 2021, he lost three fingers when a homemade bomb blew up in his hand. Despite this, he apparently didn’t stop experimenting with dangerous devices.
An informant working with the FBI shared disturbing details about Spafford, including claims that he used pictures of President Joe Biden for target practice. The informant also said Spafford had expressed support for political violence, even commenting on the assassination attempt of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. Spafford reportedly said he hoped the shooter wouldn’t miss Vice President Kamala Harris next time.
When agents searched Spafford’s property, they found the pipe bombs in his bedroom and a detached garage. Alongside the bombs were tools and materials like homemade fuses and PVC pipes. What alarmed authorities even more was a jar of a highly unstable explosive material called HMTD stored in the freezer, right next to food. The jar had warning labels like “Dangerous” and “Do not touch,” but it was still within reach of children, according to the FBI.
The informant who helped the FBI went to Spafford’s farm in October wearing a wire. During their conversation, Spafford allegedly admitted to owning the unregistered short-barreled rifle, saying he didn’t believe in registration. He also talked about his plans to install a rotating 50-caliber gun on his property to defend it from anyone he considered an intruder.
After learning about the explosive material in the freezer, the FBI got a search warrant for Spafford’s farm. When they conducted the raid, some of the bombs were so unstable that they had to be detonated on-site by bomb technicians. Others were taken to a lab for testing, where it was confirmed that at least one bomb was capable of causing serious harm or even death.
Authorities also found notebooks filled with handwritten bomb-making instructions and gear like riot vests loaded with pipe bombs. In a court filing, the Department of Justice argued that Spafford’s behavior—like labeling bombs as “lethal” and keeping dangerous materials around his family—demonstrates an extreme disregard for safety. Although he hasn’t been involved in any known acts of violence, his stockpile and comments about political assassinations raised serious concerns.
Spafford has been charged with possessing a firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act. His attorney argued that Spafford never planned to commit any crimes and should be released, but a judge disagreed and ruled that he should remain behind bars while awaiting trial. Federal prosecutors emphasized the danger Spafford poses, citing his know-how, resources, and willingness to create dangerous devices.
This unsettling case has left many people wondering how someone could live with such dangerous materials and a disregard for safety, not just for themselves but for others in their household. For now, Spafford remains in custody as the legal process unfolds.
Not sure about this.