# Cory Mills' grenade factory just exploded

> The Florida congressman lost his primary, then his weapons company caught fire.
- Title: Cory Mills' grenade factory just exploded · Mother Jones
- Summary: The Florida congressman lost his primary, then his weapons company caught fire. Mills' political career collapsed just as his majority-owned grenade…
- Keywords: cory mills, florida, congress, pacem defense, grenade manufacturer, explosion, primary defeat, weapons company, financial disclosure, taylor county, domestic violence allegations, stolen valor
- Source: Mother Jones — https://motherjones.com/politics/2026/09/cory-mills-pacem-grenade-florida-explosion-congress
- Author: Noah Lanard
- Published: 2026-09-17T17:42:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cory mills, florida, congress, pacem defense, grenade manufacturer, explosion, primary defeat, weapons company, financial disclosure, taylor county, domestic violence allegations, stolen valor
## 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!
## Key takeaway

Mills' political career collapsed just as his majority-owned grenade manufacturer faced a major explosion and massive debt.