Executive Summary
- A 43-year-old man, Seamus Murphy, was arrested in Grafton, New Hampshire, on multiple outstanding warrants, including felon in possession of a firearm.
- A search of Murphy’s property uncovered a stockpile of weapons, including multiple firearms, 3D-printed gun parts, body armor, and explosives.
- The arrest was conducted by a joint task force including the U.S. Marshals Service and the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office.
- Murphy, who officials say identifies as a sovereign citizen, now faces over a dozen new charges.
A 43-year-old man, identified by authorities as a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, was arrested Friday at his rural property in Grafton, New Hampshire, following a multi-agency operation. The man, Seamus Murphy, was wanted on several outstanding warrants, and a subsequent search of his property uncovered a significant cache of weapons, firearms components, and explosives, according to the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities stated that Murphy was wanted for failure to appear on charges that included felon in possession of a firearm and operating a motor vehicle as a habitual offender. “We’ve been looking at this guy for some time, and really realized that he’s a dangerous individual,” said Merrimack County Sheriff David Croft.
The operation was a joint effort involving the U.S. Marshals Special Operations Group, the District of New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force, and the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office. According to officials, tactical teams surrounded the property, and Murphy surrendered without incident.
Following the arrest, a search warrant was executed, leading to the discovery of multiple firearms, 3D-printed gun parts, body armor, explosives, and ammunition. Sheriff Croft noted the potential for heightened danger, stating, “…anytime you got anti-government mindsets with these folks, it makes it a little bit more concerning and dangerous.” He clarified that information about Murphy’s specific mindset was based on rumor and not solid evidence.
Murphy now faces at least a dozen new charges, including eight counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, three counts of possession of explosives, and resisting arrest. The successful joint operation was praised by law enforcement as a key factor in safely apprehending the suspect. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.