NEW: FBI Seizes More Than 150 Pipe Bombs In Virginia Raid
Federal agents uncovered an enormous arsenal of homemade explosive devices when they arrested a Virginia man on firearms charges last month, according to a court filing released by federal prosecutors.
Investigators seized more than 150 pipe bombs and additional improvised explosive devices while conducting a search of the home of Brad Spafford a little north of Norfolk in December, prosecutors revealed in a motion released Monday. Prosecutors noted that the discovery is believed to be “the largest seizure by number of finished explosive devices in FBI history.”
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The bulk of the devices were discovered in a detached garage alongside the Isle of Wight County home. Investigators also recovered tools and bomb-making materials, including fuses and pieces of plastic pipe, according to court documents reviewed by the Associated Press.
FBI SEIZES CACHE OF EXPLOSIVES IN VIRGINIA
Largest cache (150) of homemade “finished explosive devices” in FBI’s history
Some of the pipe bombs were labeled “lethal” and “preloaded into an apparent wearable vest.” pic.twitter.com/sVJ8jHOgQo
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Prosecutors further revealed that additional explosive devices were found in a backpack in one of the home’s bedroom. The residence is shared with the suspect’s wife and two young children.
Spafford, 36, was charged with possession of a firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act after prosecutors alleged that he was in possession of a short barrel rifle. He will now be facing “numerous additional potential charges” in connection with the explosives arsenal, court documents added.
In a motion filed Tuesday, defense attorneys for Spafford argued that there is no evidence to suggest that he was plotting violence. Attorneys further noted that their client does not have a criminal record.
In addition, they are questioning whether the devices were operationalbecause “professionally trained explosive technicians had to rig the devices to explode them.
“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 lawyers Lawrence Woodward and Jerry Swartz wrote.
Federal authorities launched an investigation into Spafford in 2023 after an informant claimed he was stockpiling weapons and ammunition, according to court documents. The informant further told federal investigators that Spafford injured his hand while working with explosives in 2021.
A large team of federal law enforcement officers and bomb detection teams searched the property on December 17. They then uncovered the devices — some of which were hand-labeled as “lethal” — upon executing the warrant.
During an initial hearing on Tuesday, federal Magistrate Judge Lawrence Leonard determined that Spafford could be released into house arrest at his mother’s home, though he agreed to keep him detained while prosecutors make further arguments.
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