A Virginia man accused of possessing a historically large cache of homemade explosives and using President Biden's image for target practice will remain in jail pending trial. U.S. District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen ruled Tuesday that Brad Spafford, 36, poses an "extreme danger" to the community.
Spafford faces federal firearms charges for allegedly owning an unregistered short-barrel rifle. Prosecutors allege he also amassed numerous explosives, including devices found in a backpack labeled "#nolivesmatter." Court documents indicate a highly unstable explosive was stored in a garage freezer alongside everyday items like food.
The judge cited Spafford's history, specifically a 2021 accident involving homemade explosives in which he lost fingers. Spafford's defense attorneys, while acknowledging the accident, argued there's no evidence of violence. However, the judge emphasized Spafford's stated opposition to government firearm regulations and the intentional disregard for registration requirements, raising concerns about compliance with any release conditions.
Defense attorneys questioned the practicality of the devices, noting that bomb technicians had to activate them for evaluation. They further argued that there's no proof Spafford had threatened anyone, deeming the potential danger based on political views and comments as "nonsensical."
Investigators found more than 150 pipe bombs and other homemade explosives at Spafford's Isle of Wight County home in December 2023. The devices were discovered throughout the property, including a detached garage and a bedroom. Some were labeled "lethal" and others loaded into a vest.
The case originated from an informant, a friend and law enforcement officer, who reported Spafford’s stockpiling of weapons, his use of presidential images for target practice and his stated belief in political assassinations.
A previous magistrate judge had initially considered releasing Spafford under house arrest, but that decision was superseded by the judge's determination to maintain detention while the government presented additional arguments. Prosecutors countered that while Spafford hasn't exhibited overt violence, his actions, including manufacturing "lethal" pipe bombs, possession of riot gear, and his expressed support for political assassinations demonstrate a clear and present danger.
Judge Allen, in her Tuesday ruling, highlighted the unprecedented scale of the explosives operation, noting the absence of a comparable case in her experience. This factor, along with the potential harm to individuals, communities, and even Spafford's family, solidified the decision to maintain custody.
