Crime
Brad Spafford arrested after authorities determined he possessed largest caches of explosives in FBI history
The majority of the explosives were stored in a detached garage, alongside tools and materials for manufacturing, including PVC pipes and homemade fuses.
Federal authorities have arrested a Virginia man after discovering a record cache of homemade explosive devices at his residence, marking the largest seizure of finished explosives in FBI history, officials confirmed.
Brad Spafford was taken into custody on December 17 at a farm in Smithfield, Virginia, approximately 29 miles northwest of Norfolk. Spafford has been charged with unlawful possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle, according to court filings.
During a search of Spafford’s home, FBI agents uncovered a stockpile of over 150 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), many of which were identified as pipe bombs. Some devices were marked with the word “lethal.”
The majority of the explosives were stored in a detached garage, alongside tools and materials for manufacturing, including PVC pipes and homemade fuses.
Additional devices were discovered unsecured in a backpack located in a bedroom. The backpack bore the phrase “#nolivesmatter,” which prosecutors linked to an extremist ideology promoting mass violence, criminal activity, and targeted attacks, according to the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.
Authorities also discovered a jar of explosive material stored in Spafford’s freezer, labeled โDangerousโ and โDo Not Touch.โ The explosive was described as so unstable that it could detonate from friction or temperature changes. The jar was stored alongside food items, including Hot Pockets.
Prosecutors reported that Spafford used images of political figures for target practice, expressed support for political assassinations, and had recently sought sniper-rifle qualifications at a local shooting range.
Spaffordโs home was occupied by two young children, raising additional concerns about the risks posed by his activities. Prosecutors argued that releasing him on bail would present an โextreme dangerโ to his family, the community, and law enforcement tasked with monitoring his residence.
โThe presence of dangerous and unstable explosives, combined with his extremist views, poses a significant threat,โ the detention memo states.
The investigation into Spafford began last year when a confidential source informed authorities that Spafford had disfigured his hand while working with a homemade explosive device. The source also reported that Spafford was stockpiling weapons and manufacturing approximately 50 rounds of homemade ammunition daily.
Spafford remains in custody as federal authorities continue their investigation. Prosecutors are expected to argue for his continued detention, citing the severe risks associated with his release.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. โ Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.