Virginia farm explosive cache marks largest FBI seizure

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - Federal agents have discovered over 150 homemade explosive devices at a Virginia farm in the eastern US last month, marking the largest such seizure in FBI history, according to recently revealed court documents.

The FBI arrested Brad Spafford, 36, on Dec. 17, 2024, following a tip about weapons stockpiling at his 20-acre (8-hectare) property.

The prosecutors said Spafford had expressed extremist views, including support for political assassinations, and used images of US President Joe Biden for target practice.

Agents found pipe bombs in multiple locations, including a detached garage and an unsecured backpack in a bedroom, Monday's court documents revealed.

Some devices were labeled "lethal" or "dangerous," while highly unstable explosives were stored in a jar marked "Do Not Touch" in Spafford's freezer among food items.

Spafford is charged with unlawful possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, with additional explosives-related charges expected.

Despite defense attorneys arguing for his release, prosecutors maintained he posed an extreme danger to the community.

The investigation began after a neighbor reported concerns, including a 2021 incident where Spafford lost three fingers on his right hand while handling an explosive device.