Montgomery, Alabama – An Alabama man has been taken into custody for his involvement in detonating an explosive device outside the office of state Attorney General Steve Marshall in February. Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, of Irondale, was charged with malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device, according to the Justice Department.
The arrest of Calvert came weeks after an explosive device exploded outside Marshall’s office in Montgomery around 3:45 a.m. on February 24. Marshall expressed relief upon hearing of Calvert’s arrest, stating that it was not a random act of violence. He also thanked federal and local partners for their assistance in the case, noting that the offender faces significant prison time.
Authorities were notified of a suspicious package after the explosion, later confirming it to be the device detonated earlier. The FBI revealed that the explosive device used commercially available pyrotechnic fireworks, a coffee can as a concealment container, and added fragmentation and ignitable liquids. The device contained metal screws, nails, and other hardware to enhance fragmentation and ignitable liquids for initiating a fire.
While no injuries or major damage to nearby buildings were reported, surveillance footage captured a man walking near the scene minutes after the incident. Investigators have not disclosed a motive for Calvert’s actions. Charging documents indicated that Calvert placed stickers advocating for various political ideologies on state buildings at the time of the bombing, including some supporting the “antifa” movement.
The “antifa” movement, known for its far-left militant stance against fascism, has a history of violent clashes with those holding opposing political views. Calvert faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison for his alleged involvement in the explosive incident.