A Virginia man at the center of what
authorities
say is the largest cache of finished explosives ever recovered by the FBI has pleaded guilty in federal court to two weapons charges.
Brad Spafford, of the Norfolk area, admitted to possessing an unregistered short-barrel rifle and multiple unregistered destructive devices, including roughly 150 pipe bombs, according to court records.
The case drew national attention after
authorities
revealed disturbing allegations against Spafford. Prosecutors say he used a photo of former President Joe Biden for target practice, told an informant that “political assassinations should be brought back,” and expressed hope that a gunman would not “miss Kamala” in reference to Vice President Harris, shortly after the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
The
investigation
into Spafford began in 2023, after a law enforcement informant reported that he was amassing weapons and ammunition. A search of his home in December 2024 uncovered explosives stored in a freezer next to food, as well as a backpack labeled “#NoLivesMatter” that contained additional explosive materials.
Photos released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office show the vast haul of homemade devices seized by federal agents. Spafford was arrested that same month and has remained in custody ever since. A judge at the time determined that he posed an “extreme danger,” citing both his comments and the sheer volume of explosives found.
Despite defense arguments that
Spafford
held steady employment, had no prior criminal history, and was a family man with two young daughters, the court declined to release him. Notably, Spafford lost three fingers in a 2021 accident involving homemade explosives, further highlighting the risks associated with his stockpile.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Spafford is scheduled to be sentenced in December.
