From Mother Jones · Noah Lanard · · 1m 40s
Cory Mills' grenade factory just exploded
The Florida congressman lost his primary, then his weapons company caught fire.
In brief
The Florida congressman lost his primary, then his weapons company caught fire. Mills' political career collapsed just as his majority-owned grenade manufacturer faced a major explosion and massive debt. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Congressman's primary loss
Rep. Cory Mills lost his Florida Republican primary by 13 points in August, despite getting Donald Trump's endorsement. He was defeated by Ryan Elijah, a former local TV news anchor.
Grenade factory explosion
A Pacem Defense facility in northern Florida exploded on Wednesday evening, causing significant damage to one building. The explosion was so powerful that residents three miles away felt their homes shake.
Mills still owns the company
Mills claimed he stepped away from his arms companies years ago, but his most recent congressional financial disclosure shows he still owns a majority stake in Pacem Defense. He also owns the real estate company that owns the facility.
Company drowning in debt
Pacem Defense furloughed employees in late 2025 after racking up tens of millions in debt. The company owes a Canadian lender over 66 million dollars and still hasn't paid an 8 million dollar judgment to another arms company.
Pattern of scandals
Since 2025, Mills has been accused of stolen valor, cyberstalking an ex-girlfriend, and domestic assault. He was placed under a restraining order by a judge and nearly arrested, though one allegation was later retracted.
Defiant post before disaster
Days after his primary defeat, Mills posted on X saying "A Phoenix rises from the ashes." Six days later, an actual explosion occurred at his facility, making the post darkly ironic.
“A Phoenix rises from the ashes. Our fight is far from over!”
What matters most
Mills' political career collapsed just as his majority-owned grenade manufacturer faced a major explosion and massive debt.
