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
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.