SEATTLE — A significant cache of weapons and Nazi paraphernalia was discovered during a raid on a home in Lacey, Washington, authorities reported on Tuesday. The operation was conducted by an FBI special weapons and tactics team in collaboration with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID).

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders announced on Facebook that the raid was initiated following a violent robbery and theft of military weaponry and armor. The search warrant was executed late Monday night into early Tuesday morning, as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault that occurred at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, located just north of Olympia.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle, two individuals were arrested and booked into Thurston County Jail on firearms-related charges. Sheriff Sanders noted, "The suspects identified in this case were actively involved in Nazi White Nationalist efforts."

The FBI confirmed its Seattle office was assisting local law enforcement and the Army CID but referred further inquiries to the sheriff's office. Additional details are expected to be revealed in a federal criminal complaint set to be unsealed on Wednesday. The two suspects are scheduled to make their initial court appearances at U.S. District Court in Tacoma on Wednesday afternoon.

During the raid, law enforcement seized a total of 35 firearms, which included short-barreled rifles and an MG42 machine gun, a weapon historically used by German troops in World War II. The cache also contained grenade launchers, explosives, body armor, ammunition, and ballistic helmets. Sheriff Sanders reported that multiple rifles were positioned at the windows of the residence.

Photos shared by Sanders depicted an extensive array of weapons and military gear, all surrounded by Nazi memorabilia, including a red flag emblazoned with a black swastika. This discovery has raised significant concerns regarding the activities and affiliations of the individuals involved.