Emergency responders from local, state, and federal agencies converged on a grenade factory in Florida following a significant explosion that occurred on September 16. The incident took place at the Pacem Defense facility in Perry, Florida, which has been inactive since late last year. The factory was co-founded by Florida Congressman Cory Mills, and the emergency response involved explosives experts dispatched from the Florida National Guard.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/cory-mills-080825-1177bb543036446abcfe5aa729a690bd.jpg)
The emergency call was received shortly before 7 p.m. on the day of the explosion. According to a statement from the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, only two individuals were present at the factory—a security officer and an office worker—at the time of the incident. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. A representative from the sheriff’s office noted that there was “significant damage” to one of the factory’s buildings, which has been classified as a “total loss.”
Authorities swiftly secured the perimeter of the site and awaited the arrival of state and federal agencies to manage the situation. A spokesperson for the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Stacey Walker, confirmed the measure taken by first responders in an email, stating that their priority was to maintain safety during the incident.
Multiple agencies were deployed to assist in the emergency response, including the local police and fire departments, Florida’s State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Additionally, personnel from the Department of Defense provided support, with members from the 125th Fighter Wing of the Florida National Guard arriving on the scene to assist in the response efforts.
The Pentagon declined to comment further on the incident, referring inquiries to the Florida National Guard. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel M. Caitlin Brown confirmed the deployment of two explosive ordnance disposal airmen to the site via email. However, further details regarding the explosion remain scarce as the investigation is ongoing.
Congressman Cory Mills, who has faced scrutiny over multiple professional and personal controversies and was recently eliminated from the primary election, did not provide details about the incident. Speaking to Florida Politics, Mills stated that he was not involved in the management of Pacem Defense after his election to Congress in 2022 and directed inquiries to the company’s current leadership.
Historically, Mills has faced allegations concerning the potential misuse of his congressional position to secure federal contracts related to his businesses. While these allegations have been investigated, the Federal Election Commission ultimately dismissed the claims. The House Ethics Committee is presently conducting its inquiry, which includes allegations of domestic abuse—a charge Mills has denied.
Despite his previous ties to Pacem Defense, Mills has claimed that his exit from the company’s management coincided with its financial difficulties. In a candid statement made in May, he remarked, “My business is going bankrupt because I’m not a part of it. It was very successful before.”
The explosion at the grenade factory has drawn attention to Mills and his previous business practices, particularly due to his financial disclosure, which indicates a significant connection to defence-related assets. Pacem Defense has not responded to requests for comments following the incident, raising concerns regarding the company’s operational safety measures.
As investigations into the explosion continue, many questions remain unanswered, and officials have emphasised the importance of a thorough examination of the events leading up to the incident. The ongoing inquiry has not only spurred scrutiny over Mills’ associations but also highlighted critical issues surrounding the safety protocols in weapons manufacturing facilities.
With both state and federal investigations ongoing, the potential implications of the event could extend beyond the immediate circumstances of the explosion, possibly affecting regulatory oversight in the defence manufacturing sector. As authorities continue their efforts, the community remains vigilant and anxious for further developments.