Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, of 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 February 24, and authorities arrested Calvert weeks later. Marshall expressed relief that the individual responsible has been taken off the streets and thanked federal and local partners for their assistance.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) was notified of a suspicious package the Monday after the explosion, which was confirmed to be the detonated device. The FBI agent involved in the investigation described the device as using commercially available pyrotechnic fireworks as the main explosive charge, a coffee can as a concealment container, and being enhanced with added fragmentation and ignitable liquids. Metal screws, nails, and other hardware were added to enhance the fragmentation effect, as well as ignitable liquids to enhance its ability to initiate a fire.
Surveillance footage released by authorities showed a man walking on a sidewalk near the scene minutes after the incident, though investigators have not disclosed a motive for the bombing. Charging documents against Calvert state that stickers advocating for various political ideologies, including one with the phrase “Support your local antifa,” were placed on state buildings at the time of the bombing. Antifa, a far-left militant movement known for violently confronting those with opposing political views, has not been directly linked to Calvert’s actions.
No one was injured in the explosion and there was no major damage to nearby buildings. Alabama Attorney General Marshall stated that more information about the incident will be provided in the coming weeks and emphasized that it was not a random act of violence. Calvert faces federal charges carrying significant prison time, with a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to work to determine the full extent of Calvert’s involvement and any potential motives for the attack.
