Hideout of explosives discovered at Virginia farm

During a raid on a farm on the Isle of Wight in Virginia, the FBI discovered a secret cache of more than 150 bombs after receiving an anonymous tip that homemade weapons and ammunition were being stored at the home of a family living in the area. Investigators claimed it was the largest seizure of explosive devices in FBI history. An initial FBI assessment found that the devices were ‘high-impact bombs’. Some of the devices were described as ‘lethal’, while several bombs were found loaded into a portable vest, officials said. The search also uncovered a jar of a highly volatile explosive called HMTD, which is so unstable that it does not require a detonator as it can be activated by a change in temperature. According to officials, the suspect had recently attempted to qualify to shoot a sniper rifle. He also continued to build bombs, according to an anonymous source, even after losing three fingers on his right hand in 2021 while working with a homemade explosive device (HME). The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness stated material was found in the suspect’s home that could be linked to a movement promoting extremist ideology, targeted attacks, mass killings and criminal activity. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. The federal judge overseeing the case ordered the suspect’s release with no criminal record and electronic monitoring.