A massive arsenal of stolen military weapons and Nazi paraphernalia was seized from White Nationalists in Washington state, exposing what appears to be preparations for violent action with rifles strategically positioned at windows throughout the residence.
Key Takeaways
- FBI and Army CID seized 35 firearms including an MG42 machine gun, grenade launchers, and explosives from a Lacey, Washington home
- The raid followed an investigation into a violent robbery and assault at Joint Base Lewis-McChord
- Two suspects with Nazi White Nationalist affiliations were arrested on firearms charges
- Multiple rifles were positioned at windows throughout the residence, suggesting tactical positioning
- Extensive Nazi paraphernalia including flags were discovered during the search
Military-Grade Arsenal Seized in Washington State
Federal and local law enforcement agencies conducted a raid on a home in Lacey, Washington, near Olympia, uncovering an alarming cache of stolen military weaponry and Nazi memorabilia. The operation, carried out by the FBI and Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, stemmed from an investigation into a violent robbery involving theft of military equipment. The search revealed 35 firearms including short barrel rifles, an MG42 machine gun, multiple grenade launchers, explosives, body armor, ammunition, and ballistic helmets – suggesting preparations far beyond typical civilian firearm collections.
“The suspects identified in this case were actively involved in Nazi White Nationalist efforts,” said Derek Sanders, Thurston County Sheriff.
Joint Military and FBI Investigation Uncovers Extremist Plot
The raid was the culmination of a joint investigation between the US Army Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI following an assault at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. According to sheriff’s officials, the search was conducted as a result of a violent robbery and theft of military weaponry/armor. The strategic positioning of multiple rifles at windows throughout the residence suggests the suspects were preparing for either defensive or offensive operations, raising serious concerns about potential planned violence.
“[We are] assisting our partners Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and Army Criminal Investigation Division,” stated the FBI regarding their involvement in the operation.
White Nationalist Connection and Legal Proceedings
The discovery of extensive Nazi paraphernalia, including flags and other items throughout the residence, confirmed the extremist ideology of the suspects. Two individuals were arrested during the raid and booked on firearms-related charges. They were expected to appear in US District Court in Tacoma, with additional information anticipated in a federal criminal complaint to be unsealed. The strategic nature of the weapons placement and the military-grade arsenal suggest a level of organization beyond typical criminal activity.
“[The raid was conducted] as a result of a violent robbery and theft of military weaponry/armor,” explained Derek Sanders, Thurston County Sheriff, highlighting the serious nature of the initial crimes that led to the investigation.
Broader Implications for National Security
This incident raises alarming questions about the security of military installations and weaponry, as well as the growing threat of extremist groups acquiring military-grade armaments. The theft of such advanced weapons from a military base represents a significant security breach that must be addressed. The combination of stolen military hardware, tactical positioning of weapons throughout the residence, and clear extremist ideology presents a concerning picture of domestic terrorism preparations that thankfully were disrupted before any attack could be executed.
