A Virginia man was arrested on December 17 after authorities uncovered a large stash of “finished explosive devices” on his property. Brad Spafford, 50, was apprehended outside Norfolk after the FBI found over 150 explosive devices, including pipe bombs, at his 20-acre farm.
The discovery took place in a detached garage, with some of the bombs marked “lethal.” Authorities also found more explosive devices inside Spafford’s bedroom, packed loosely in a backpack adorned with a hand grenade patch and a “#NoLivesMatter” logo. According to prosecutors, the label refers to a far-right, nihilistic ideology, largely found on encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram. The movement has been linked to promoting violent acts, including targeted attacks, mass killings, and criminal activity.
The investigation was triggered by a tip from a neighbor, who reported that Spafford had lost three fingers in an accident involving a homemade explosive device. The neighbor further alleged that Spafford had been amassing weapons and homemade ammunition. Court documents revealed that Spafford had used photographs of President Joe Biden for target practice and had expressed beliefs in bringing back “political assassinations.”
In October, the neighbor, wearing a recording device, visited Spafford at his farm. In the recording, Spafford admitted to having explosives on the property and mentioned plans to mount a 50-caliber rifle on a 360-degree turret. The arrest highlights the growing concerns over the potential for extremist violence, especially within far-right groups.
