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 “Dangerous” and “Do Not Touch.” 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.
Spafford’s 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 “extreme danger” to his family, the community, and law enforcement tasked with monitoring his residence.
“The presence of dangerous and unstable explosives, combined with his extremist views, poses a significant threat,” 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.
Crime
Saylor Graham, 7, Fights to Recover After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting as Teacher Becky Drury Faces Long Recovery
BEND, Oregon — Seven-year-old Saylor Graham is recovering from life-threatening injuries after being shot at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on October 15, 2026. Meanwhile, 54-year-old teacher Becky Drury is beginning a lengthy recovery after suffering gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand during the deadly school shooting.
The latest updates from the two families offer a glimpse of the difficult road ahead for survivors of a tragedy that claimed the lives of three children and a teacher, leaving families, classmates, and the wider Bend community grieving.
Saylor Graham, described by her family as a loving, feisty girl with a strong determination to thrive, was shot in the jaw during the shooting, according to the information shared by her family and supporters. She was airlifted from Bend for medical treatment.
Her family says the 7-year-old has already faced numerous medical challenges throughout her young life. Now, she is confronting another devastating ordeal, with her parents remaining by her side as she receives treatment and begins the recovery process.
Updates shared about Saylor’s condition have differed. An earlier account described her as being in critical condition, while a later update reported that she was in serious but stable condition. Her latest status should be confirmed with her family or an official source before publication.
For Saylor’s parents, the emotional strain is accompanied by significant financial uncertainty. Both parents are self-employed, and the demands of remaining at the hospital have sharply limited their ability to work. They must also manage medical expenses, transportation, lodging, household bills, and the needs of their other child.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized to help Saylor’s family manage the financial pressures arising from her injuries and ongoing treatment.
The fundraiser describes Saylor as a daughter, sister, and niece whose determination has carried her through numerous medical challenges. It explains that the family is facing uncertainty as they remain close to her during recovery.
The appeal states that donations will help cover hospital bills, time away from work, lodging, transportation, and other urgent family expenses.
The fundraiser also asks supporters to keep Saylor and her loved ones in their thoughts and prayers, emphasizing that every contribution and act of kindness can make a difference during this difficult time.
Readers who wish to support Saylor’s recovery can find the fundraiser through the link shared by her family or the original organizer. The campaign details and donation link should be verified before being shared.
Becky Drury, 54, a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School, was also wounded in the shooting. She suffered gunshot injuries to her left arm and right hand and has undergone surgery.
Her husband, Will, shared a hopeful update, saying the operation went well. However, the injuries to her left arm were extensive, and she is expected to require additional procedures and a prolonged recovery.
Despite the difficult road ahead, her husband’s message offered a moment of relief amid the grief surrounding the shooting.
“The good news is she will be ok and we all get to keep that magnificent woman we love so much in our lives,” he said.
His words reflect the gratitude of a family facing a frightening and uncertain recovery while knowing that Becky survived.
The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School left three children and one teacher dead, according to the information provided in reports about the incident.
Five-year-old Rhoam Summer has been publicly identified among the children killed. Megan Lambert, 25, a teacher also known as “Coach Megan,” was identified as the adult victim. Two other children, ages 8 and 11, were also killed.
Their deaths have left four families facing an unimaginable loss. While Saylor and Becky continue their recoveries, the families of those who died are beginning a different and heartbreaking journey of grief.
The contrast between the survivors’ fight to recover and the families’ permanent loss has become one of the most painful realities of the tragedy.
For Saylor’s family, every update about her condition carries enormous significance. Her parents are navigating the uncertainty of their daughter’s recovery while trying to remain present for her and care for their family.
For Becky Drury’s loved ones, the successful surgery has brought relief, even as further treatment and rehabilitation lie ahead.
Their stories do not erase the devastating loss experienced by the families of the victims. Instead, they highlight the many ways the shooting has changed lives and the long road that survivors and loved ones must now face.
As Bend mourns the children and teacher who did not return home, the community continues to hope for Saylor’s recovery and for Becky to regain her health.
Saylor Graham and Becky Drury are among those still fighting their way forward after the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting. Their families are asking for support, compassion, and privacy as they face the difficult days ahead.