Executive Summary
- Seamus Murphy, 43, was arrested in Grafton, N.H., in a large-scale operation involving U.S. Marshals and Merrimack County Sheriff’s deputies.
- Authorities seized multiple firearms, “ghost gun” parts, body armor, and explosive devices from the property.
- Murphy faces multiple felony charges, including felon in possession of a firearm and possessing explosives.
- The U.S. Marshals Service described Murphy as a “self-proclaimed sovereign citizen,” a characterization his wife disputes.
A 43-year-old Grafton, New Hampshire man was taken into custody following a large-scale police operation at his farm on Riddle Hill Road. Seamus Murphy was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on Friday, November 7, on multiple outstanding warrants originating from Merrimack County. The operation involved approximately 30 officers from the U.S. Marshals Service, including a special tactical unit, and 10 deputies from the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office.
Murphy is being held in Boscawen, N.H., and faces several charges, including multiple counts of felon in possession of a firearm, possessing explosives, and driving as a habitual offender. During the arrest, which authorities reported was conducted without incident, officers seized multiple firearms, homemade “ghost gun” components, body armor, ammunition, and explosive devices.
Merrimack County Sheriff Paul Croft commented on the successful collaboration between local and federal agencies. “This is a classic example of local law enforcement being able to work with our federal partners,” Croft stated. “At the end of the day, it was a successful operation. We got a bad person off the street. Nobody got hurt.”
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Murphy’s criminal history includes prior convictions for felon in possession of a firearm, escape, and offenses involving controlled substances. The agency also described him as a “self-proclaimed sovereign citizen,” an anti-government ideology where adherents believe they are not subject to federal or local laws.
Samantha Grunewald, who identified herself as Murphy’s wife, contested the authorities’ characterization. “That is not accurate … I’m not sure where this came from or why it started,” she said, adding, “He’s an American citizen.” Grunewald also described the aftermath of the raid, stating that police had wrecked their house and garage. “Police came in, wrecked my house, my garage and stole my husband,” she said.
Mr. Murphy is currently in custody as his case proceeds through the legal system. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.