Prosecutors allege the suspect used a picture of President Biden for target practice.
The Department of Justice is opposing the release of a 36-year-old Virginia man whose home was searched in mid-December. Federal prosecutors described the resulting seizure of homemade explosives as the largest in FBI history.
Authorities arrested Brad Spafford at his Smithfield farm on December 17th following a raid based on a complaint alleging possession of an unregistered short-barrel rifle.
During the search, FBI agents discovered a large cache of explosives, some labeled “lethal,” mostly in a detached garage; several were allegedly “preloaded into a vest.” More devices were found in a bedroom backpack, which featured a grenade patch and the words “#NoLivesMatter.”
Court documents and testimony from an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) detective indicate Spafford held anti-government views and expressed a desire to “resume political assassinations.”
Court records revealed Spafford kept a jar marked “Dangerous” and “Do Not Touch” in his freezer, allegedly containing unstable explosive material. Counterterrorism agents also located a notebook with bomb-making instructions.
Prosecutors also pointed out Spafford’s use of President Biden’s image for target practice and his support for political assassinations. Following the July assassination attempt on President-elect Trump in Pennsylvania, Spafford reportedly told an informant, “Bro, I hope they don’t miss Kamala.”
The investigation began in 2021 when an informant reported Spafford’s hand injury from handling a homemade explosive device and alleged weapons and ammunition stockpiling.
Spafford’s lawyers argued against detention, citing his lack of criminal record and suggesting that if there was evidence of rifle use, prosecutors would have filed more serious charges than simple illegal firearm possession. They also claimed the explosives weren’t ready to use, requiring bomb technicians to prepare them for detonation.
The defense further argued that using images of political figures for target practice is “common” and protected by the First Amendment.
“The government argues that Mr. Spafford should be detained because he poses a danger to the community, despite the fact that the government has been investigating and carefully monitoring Mr. Spafford for approximately two years through a confidential human source who was a friend and confidant of Mr. Spafford,” his attorneys stated. “During all that time, there is no evidence or allegation that Mr. Spafford committed or attempted to commit any act of violence.”
However, prosecutors maintain Spafford presents an “extreme danger” to his family, community, and pretrial officers who would inspect his property. The judge initially set bail at $25,000 but later stayed the order pending a government appeal.