Federal agents found over 150 homemade bombs during a search in December at the home of a Virginia man named Brad Spafford, leading to one of the largest seizures of homemade explosives in FBI history.
The big picture: The bombs were discovered in a detached garage along with bomb-making materials and tools, including fuses and pieces of plastic pipe. Several additional apparent pipe bombs were found in a backpack in the bedroom of the home, which Spafford shares with his wife and two young children.
- Spafford, 36, was initially charged with possession of a firearm but faces potential additional charges related to the explosives.
Driving the news: The investigation stemmed from an informant’s tip in 2023, alleging that Spafford was stockpiling weapons and ammunition.
- The informant recounted an incident in 2021 where Spafford disfigured his hand while working on homemade explosives.
- Spafford’s defense attorneys argue that there is no evidence indicating he was planning violence, and they question the usability of the explosive devices, as trained explosive technicians had to rig them to explode.
- The judge initially ruled Spafford to be detained, as prosecutors reiterated concerns about his danger, citing his possession of riot gear and support for political assassinations, and using the President’s pictures for target practice.
