Virginia Man Arrested with Stockpile of Explosives After Targeting Biden in Shooting Practice

Brad Spafford, a Virginia resident, was arrested and taken into custody earlier this month after a search of his home revealed a large stockpile of homemade explosive devices, including pipe bombs. The FBI described Spafford as an “extreme danger to the community.”

Spafford's arrest stemmed from a relatively minor charge of possessing an unregistered short-barrel rifle. However, during the execution of a search warrant at his 20-acre property in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, the FBI discovered a significant cache of explosives.

According to court documents, the FBI found “a stockpile of more than 150 homemade improvised explosive devices, assessed as pipe bombs.” Some of these devices were marked “lethal,” while others were labeled “dangerous” and “do not touch.”

Prosecutors also found pipe bombs inside one of the bedrooms, along with a backpack containing a grenade-shaped patch that read “#NoLivesMatter.” The No Lives Matter movement is a nihilistic, far-right ideology that promotes violence and criminal activity.

In addition to the explosives, the FBI found evidence that Spafford had used pictures of President Joe Biden for target practice and expressed support for political assassinations. He had also recently sought qualifications in sniper-rifle shooting at a local range.

Based on this evidence, the FBI argued that Spafford posed an “extreme danger” to the community and should not be released from custody. A federal judge granted the stay of release order on Monday.

Spafford's lawyer filed a response to the DOJ’s motion, stating that the government’s claim that he was a danger was “rank speculation and fear mongering.” The lawyer argued that there was no evidence that Spafford had ever threatened anyone and that his political views should not be used against him.