An Alabama man has pleaded guilty in federal court to detonating an explosive device outside the Alabama Attorney General’s office in downtown Montgomery.
Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, of Irondale, pleaded guilty to malicious use of an explosive device, said Jonathan Ross, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
“This defendant constructed a bomb using nails and screws as shrapnel and detonated it outside the Alabama Attorney General’s office, endangering a public facility and members of the community,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Public officials should never be targeted for doing their jobs. The Department of Justice will not tolerate such behavior, and we will use every tool at our disposal to prevent these attacks and hold perpetrators accountable.”
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, Calvert detonated an explosive device outside the Alabama Attorney General’s office in the early morning hours of Feb. 24. No injuries were reported.
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Calvert admitted during the hearing to making the explosive device. He used nails and screws as shrapnel and accelerant to cause an explosion. Before placing the explosive device, Calvert put stickers on various buildings downtown. The stickers featured graphics that espoused various political ideologies. Some stickers included the phrase “Support your local Antifa.”
According to the agreement, Calvert said he had no affiliation with Antifa. After placing the explosive device near the Attorney General’s office, Calvert lit the fuse and fled the scene. Police arrested Calvert on April 10.
“This attack on the Alabama Attorney General’s office was an attack on the American justice system,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “Violent, targeted attacks like this one are intended to physically harm or inflict fear and intimidation on the officers and officials who serve our communities and our country. ATF is committed to holding those who attack American institutions accountable. I commend the work of ATF and all of our federal and local partners in bringing this defendant to justice.”
A sentencing hearing for Calvert is scheduled in the coming months. At that hearing, Calvert faces a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison without the possibility of parole. A federal district judge will determine the sentence, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Calvert’s offense was very serious and today’s confession ensures that he will face significant consequences,” Ross said. “Calvert would not have been held accountable had it not been for the thorough and diligent investigation conducted jointly by federal, state and local law enforcement. I am grateful for the efforts of everyone involved.”
The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at [email protected].
