Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, a 26-year-old man from Irondale, Alabama, has been arrested for his alleged role in detonating an explosive device outside the office of state Attorney General Steve Marshall in February. He has been charged with malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device. The explosive device went off around 3:45 a.m. on Feb. 24 outside Marshall’s office in Montgomery. Authorities took Calvert into custody weeks after the incident, and he could face significant prison time for his actions.
Marshall expressed relief that Calvert has been apprehended and emphasized that the incident was not a random act of violence. He thanked federal and local partners for their assistance in the matter. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) was alerted to a suspicious package days after the explosion, which was confirmed to be the device that detonated outside Marshall’s office. The explosive device used commercially available pyrotechnic fireworks, a coffee can, and added fragmentation and ignitable liquids. While no one was injured, the FBI agent described the device as having weaponization characteristics due to the added materials.
Surveillance footage captured a man walking on a sidewalk shortly after the explosion, but investigators have not disclosed a motive for the crime. Charging documents allege that Calvert placed stickers on state buildings at the time of the bombing, advocating for various political ideologies, including those supporting the far-left militant movement known as Antifa. Antifa, which considers itself “antifascist,” is known for violently confronting individuals with opposing political views in left-wing cities. Calvert could face up to 20 years in prison for his involvement.
The arrest of Calvert has brought some closure to the incident, with Marshall and his staff breathing a collective sigh of relief knowing that the individual responsible has been taken off the streets. Marshall acknowledged the assistance of federal and local partners in the case and emphasized that the offender faces significant prison time for his actions. The use of commercial pyrotechnic fireworks, a coffee can, and added fragmentation and ignitable liquids in the device demonstrated weaponization characteristics, although no one was hurt, and no major damage to nearby buildings was reported.
The investigation into the incident continues, with authorities seeking more information in the coming weeks. While the motive behind the detonation of the explosive device remains unknown, Calvert’s alleged involvement in placing stickers advocating for political ideologies suggests a potential political motivation. The FBI agent described the device as having weaponization characteristics due to the added materials, highlighting the seriousness of the charges Calvert faces. The surveillance footage and evidence collected will likely play a key role in the prosecution of the case and determining the full extent of Calvert’s involvement in the incident.
