Hatchet Speed, Possession of Unregistered Silencers, Virginia 2023

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Hatchet Speed, 41, of Falls Church, Virginia, was found guilty yesterday evening of possessing unregistered silencers, a federal jury determined. The conviction comes after evidence revealed a disturbing pattern of firearm purchases and extremist rhetoric, painting a picture of a man preparing for violence.

Court records show Speed embarked on a spending spree in early 2021, dropping over $40,000 on at least twelve firearms, accessories, and ammunition. Amidst this buying binge, he acquired three silencers marketed as “solvent traps” – a thinly veiled attempt to skirt federal regulations. These devices, while ostensibly for firearm maintenance, were designed to function as silencers, and Speed intentionally avoided registering them with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, allowing him to possess them illegally within a week of purchase.

The case took a darker turn when Speed engaged with an undercover FBI employee in early 2022. During these meetings, Speed freely expressed virulent anti-Semitic and anti-government beliefs. He openly praised the tactics of jihadists, suggesting they offered an effective model for “wiping out” his perceived enemies – specifically, Jewish people. The FBI informant learned Speed was actively identifying potential targets, even contemplating a twisted “mock trial” to determine who would be added to a kill list.

Crucially, Speed explicitly connected his illegally obtained silencers to these violent plans. He confirmed to the undercover agent that his “solvent traps” would be “handy” in carrying out his extremist intentions. This admission solidified the case against him, demonstrating not just possession of illegal weapons, but intent to use them in acts of violence fueled by hate.

Speed now faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. While federal sentencing guidelines often result in lesser terms, the severity of the charges, coupled with the evidence of extremist ideology and planned violence, suggests a significant period of incarceration is likely. U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff will hand down the sentence on April 13th, considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.

The conviction was announced jointly by U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia, Michael H. Glasheen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Counterterrorism Division, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Traxler and Amanda Lowe are prosecuting the case. Case No. 1:22-cr-165 is available for review on PACER and the District Court’s website.

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