Virginia man pleads guilty after FBI seizes 150 pipe bombs; faces up to 20 years for possessing illegal weapons.

Federal Charges in Unprecedented Explosives Case

A Virginia man has admitted guilt in a federal court to charges stemming from the discovery of approximately 150 pipe bombs and other explosive devices in his home, representing the largest cache of finished explosives ever seized by the FBI. Brad Spafford, who lived near Norfolk, pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered short barrel rifle and possession of unregistered destructive devices following his arrest in December 2023.

The investigation began when an informant, who is part of law enforcement, alerted authorities in 2023 that Spafford was accumulating large amounts of ammunition and weaponry. According to court documents, federal agents later found highly unstable explosive material stored alongside frozen foods in a freezer, as well as more explosives in a backpack labeled "#NoLivesMatter." The search and subsequent seizure highlighted the extent of the threat Spafford posed, with a judge stating he had "shown the capacity for extreme danger."

Threats and Political Motive Alleged

Prosecutors reported that Spafford made numerous threatening comments about public officials, including using a photo of former President Joe Biden for target practice and suggesting that "political assassinations should be brought back." After the recent assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, Spafford reportedly messaged someone, "Bro, I hope the shooter doesn’t miss Kamala," referring to Vice President Kamala Harris, according to an informant.

Despite arguments from Spafford's defense that he held a steady job and had no prior criminal record, the judge denied bail, noting that Spafford had previously lost three fingers in a homemade explosives accident in 2021. Since his December arrest, Spafford has remained in custody, with his potential sentence reflecting the gravity of the offenses.

Spafford faces up to 10 years in prison for each charge, and his sentencing is scheduled for December. The unprecedented volume of explosive materials discovered in his home has drawn significant concern from federal law enforcement and renewed focus on domestic threats involving homemade weapons.

This case marks a stark warning about the dangers of illegal explosive devices and the consequences of politically motivated threats in the United States. Authorities emphasized the importance of community vigilance and the decisive response that led to the safe removal of hazardous materials from a residential area.