Virginia Man Pleads Not Guilty to Stockpiling Record Number of Homemade Bombs

Record Bomb Seizure: Virginia Man Pleads Not Guilty

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Brad Spafford, a 36-year-old resident of Isle of Wight County, Virginia, pleaded not guilty on January 22, 2025, to federal charges related to possessing an unregistered destructive device and an unregistered short-barreled rifle. The charges stem from what the FBI describes as its largest-ever single seizure of completed homemade bombs, numbering over 150, discovered at Spafford’s property on December 17, 2024. If convicted, Spafford faces up to 10 years in prison for each charge. He is currently being held without bail.

The sheer volume of explosives, primarily pipe bombs, has raised significant public safety concerns and sparked a national debate about domestic extremism, access to weapons, and the effectiveness of current laws.

Inside the Arsenal: Unprecedented Bomb Stockpile

The December 17 raid on Spafford’s 20-acre farm uncovered a staggering array of explosives, including pipe bombs, some labeled “lethal,” and others incorporated into a vest. Some devices were found in a detached garage, others in a backpack within the residence. The presence of HMTD, a highly volatile explosive, stored in Spafford’s freezer, further heightened concerns. Some of the devices were considered too unstable to transport and were detonated on-site. Others, along with soil samples, were sent to a lab for analysis.

The investigation, initiated by a neighbor’s tip in early 2023, also unearthed disturbing details. Court documents indicate Spafford allegedly used images of President Biden for target practice. Reports further suggest Spafford expressed approval of political assassinations, though the exact nature and context of these statements are still under investigation. He also allegedly made comments about missing children and school shootings, and reportedly expressed a desire that an attacker would not miss Vice President Kamala Harris if another attempt were made on a high-ranking government official’s life.

Defense Strategy: Challenging the Charges

Spafford’s defense team, led by attorney Kenneth Woodward, is building a case based on several key arguments:

Device Functionality: The defense contends that the devices were too complex to be readily detonated without specialized expertise, questioning their classification as functional “destructive devices” under the National Firearms Act. They liken the situation to possessing parts of a complex machine without the knowledge or instructions to assemble it.
Absence of a Direct Threat: While acknowledging the concerning nature of the materials, the defense emphasizes the lack of any explicit threat made by Spafford. They argue that possession alone, without evidence of intent to harm, does not constitute a crime.
Legal Ambiguity: The defense points to the lack of a precise definition of “explosive” within the National Firearms Act, suggesting this ambiguity could work in Spafford’s favor.

Prosecution’s Case: Highlighting the Danger

The prosecution paints a different picture, arguing that the sheer quantity of explosives, coupled with Spafford’s alleged statements and actions, presents a clear and present danger. They cite the target practice images, the “#NoLivesMatter” inscription on a backpack containing explosives, and Spafford’s 2021 incident involving homemade explosives, in which he lost three fingers, as evidence of recklessness and potential for harm. The prosecution also emphasizes the inherent danger of the explosives, regardless of their immediate functionality.

Unanswered Questions and the Road Ahead

Several crucial questions remain:

What was Spafford’s intent? Was he planning an attack, or were his actions the result of a dangerous obsession? Further investigation and psychological evaluation may shed light on his motivations.
What are the implications for domestic extremism and weapons regulation? This case raises significant questions about how we identify and address potential threats in an increasingly polarized society.

A timeline of key events:

Key Event	Date
Explosives Accident	2021
Informant Alerts Authorities	2023
Recorded Wiretap	October 2024
Spafford’s Arrest	December 17, 2024
Detention Hearing	January 8, 2025
Not Guilty Plea	January 22, 2025
Trial Date Set	May 28, 2025

Spafford’s trial, scheduled for May 28, 2025, is expected to be closely watched. The verdict could have far-reaching consequences, potentially influencing legal interpretations related to homemade explosives, the right to bear arms, and the definition of a credible threat. The case underscores the complexities of balancing individual liberties with public safety in an era of evolving security concerns.