In December, federal agents seized over 150 pipe bombs and other homemade explosives from Brad Spafford’s home in Virginia. The prosecution called this the largest such confiscation in FBI history.
Most of the explosives and bomb materials were stored in a detached garage, while unsecured pipe bombs were also found in a bedroom Spafford shared with his family.
Spafford, 36, was arrested for possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle. The prosecution plans to bring further charges related to the explosives.
Defense Denies Allegations
The defense emphasized there was no evidence of planned violent acts, citing Spafford’s clean record and questioning the functionality of the explosives.
The investigation began in 2023 after an informant reported Spafford’s weapons stash. The informant claimed Spafford had lost several fingers in 2021 while making explosives. The informant also accused Spafford of using images of President Joe Biden for target practice and supporting political assassinations.
Investigators Warn of Public Danger
On December 17, bomb technicians detonated most of the explosives on-site to minimize safety risks. Some devices were kept for analysis.
The court decided to hold Spafford in custody temporarily, with the possibility of house arrest being considered later. The prosecution argued that Spafford posed a significant danger to the public due to the pipe bombs and his equipment.
“Even though he has not committed violence, his actions and interests indicate a serious risk,” the prosecution stated in court filings.
