FBI Raids Farm Complex in Virginia, 150 Homemade Bombs Confiscated

JAKARTA - A raid on a farm complex in Virginia, United States, resulted in the seizure of 150 homemade bombs. This operation was recorded as the largest seizure of explosives in the history of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The FBI arrested Brad Spafford, a 36-year-old man, on December 17, 2024. This arrest was made after authorities received information about an alleged weapons hoarding on Spafford's 8-hectare land. This information was revealed in court documents released on Monday.

Prosecutors said Spafford had extreme political views, as reflected in his support for the assassination of political figures. He even used a photo of US President Joe Biden as a target in his shooting practice.

During a search of the property, FBI agents found pipe bombs scattered in various locations, including in a garage and in a backpack in a bedroom.

Some of the explosives were labeled "lethal" or "danger". The unstable explosives were stored in jars with a "do not touch" warning in a refrigerator that also contained food.

Brad Spafford is facing charges for illegal possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle. Meanwhile, additional charges related to explosives are being processed by authorities.

Although Spafford's legal team has filed a request for acquittal, prosecutors have asserted that the suspect poses a serious threat to public safety.

The investigation into Spafford began after a report from a neighbor. In addition, in 2021, Spafford reportedly lost three fingers on his right hand due to an incident involving explosives.