An arsenal of military weapons, including MG42 machine guns, grenade launchers, and explosives, was seized from Nazi White Nationalists in Washington state following a violent robbery at a military base.
Key Takeaways
- FBI and Army CID discovered 35 military-grade weapons, Nazi paraphernalia, and tactical gear during a raid in Lacey, Washington
- The search was conducted following an assault and theft of military equipment from Joint Base Lewis-McChord
- Two suspects with Nazi White Nationalist affiliations were arrested on firearms charges
- Rifles were strategically positioned at windows throughout the residence, suggesting preparation for potential conflict
- Seized items included short barrel rifles, grenade launchers, explosive ordnance, body armor, and Nazi flags
Military-Grade Arsenal Discovered in Washington Home
Federal agents and local law enforcement uncovered a concerning cache of military-grade weapons and Nazi propaganda during a raid on a residence in Lacey, Washington. The operation, conducted by the FBI in coordination with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and the US Army Criminal Investigation Division, stemmed from an investigation into a violent robbery and theft of military equipment from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The raid revealed an extensive collection of illegal firearms, explosives, and tactical gear alongside disturbing evidence of extremist ideology, raising serious questions about domestic terrorism threats.
“The suspects identified in this case were actively involved in Nazi White Nationalist efforts,” said Derek Sanders, spokesperson for the investigation.
Law enforcement seized approximately 35 firearms during the operation, including short barrel rifles and an MG42 machine gun – a weapon notorious for its use by Nazi Germany during World War II. Additional seized items included grenade launchers, explosive ordnance, body armor, ammunition, and ballistic helmets. The presence of such military-grade weaponry in civilian hands represents a significant security breach and potential domestic terror threat, especially given the extremist affiliations of the suspects involved.
Strategic Positioning and Nazi Connections
The FBI reported that multiple rifles were strategically positioned at windows throughout the residence, suggesting the occupants were prepared for potential armed conflict with authorities. This tactical positioning, combined with the extensive arsenal and body armor, indicates a concerning level of preparation beyond typical weapons collection. The residence also contained numerous items of Nazi paraphernalia, including flags and other propaganda materials, confirming the ideological motivations behind the weapons stockpile.
“[The FBI was] assisting our partners Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and Army Criminal Investigation Division,” stated the FBI in their official announcement regarding the operation.
Two individuals were arrested during the raid and booked on firearms-related charges. Authorities have confirmed that the raid was conducted “as a result of a violent robbery and theft of military weaponry/armor,” according to Derek Sanders. The suspects were expected to appear in US District Court in Tacoma, with additional information anticipated in a federal criminal complaint to be unsealed. The connection between military base security and domestic extremism highlights a troubling security vulnerability that demands immediate attention.
Domestic Terror Threat and National Security Implications
This case highlights the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups with access to military-grade weapons and training. The successful theft of weapons from a military installation raises serious questions about base security protocols and the potential for insider threats. The combination of Nazi ideology and military armaments represents a particularly dangerous threat to public safety and national security. As extremist ideologies continue to gain traction in certain circles, law enforcement agencies face mounting challenges in preventing domestic terrorism incidents.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the suspects’ connections to organized extremist groups and whether additional stolen military equipment remains unaccounted for. The FBI’s involvement underscores the federal significance of the case, particularly given the nature of the weapons recovered and the clear extremist motivations of the suspects. This case serves as a stark reminder of the continued vigilance required to combat domestic terrorism threats and protect military assets from falling into dangerous hands.
