United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross | U.S. Department of Justice
A federal judge has sentenced Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, a 27-year-old resident of Irondale, Alabama, to nine years in prison for using an explosive device outside the Alabama Attorney General’s Office in Montgomery. The incident occurred on February 24, 2024.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland commented on the sentencing: “Kyle Calvert attacked the Alabama Attorney General’s Office with a shrapnel-filled explosive and then fled the scene, but this sentence ensures he will not escape accountability for his crime.” He emphasized that such acts of violence against public institutions are intolerable and expressed gratitude to law enforcement agencies involved in ensuring accountability.
FBI Director Christopher Wray stated, “Today’s sentencing is the final step holding Kyle Calvert accountable for detonating a shrapnel-filled explosive device outside a public office in downtown Montgomery.” He highlighted the FBI's commitment to justice and collaboration with partners to address violence aimed at intimidating community members.
Director Steven Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) remarked that attacks on America's justice system and its civil servants would not be tolerated. “The sentence handed down today reflects not only the severity of the crime but also ATF’s commitment to working with our federal, state, and local partners,” he said.
Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson acknowledged the coordinated efforts among various law enforcement agencies that led to Calvert's identification and arrest. “Working together, investigators and analysts were able to identify Calvert as a suspect and ensure he was held accountable for his attempt to intimidate public officials and create chaos,” Davidson noted.
Court documents reveal that during his plea hearing, Calvert admitted manufacturing an explosive device filled with nails and screws as shrapnel. After placing it near the Attorney General’s Office early on February 24th, he lit its fuse before leaving. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the explosion. Prior to this act, Calvert had placed stickers promoting political ideologies around downtown buildings; however, he claims no affiliation with Antifa despite some stickers bearing their slogans.
Calvert was arrested by law enforcement on April 10th following investigations by the FBI with support from ATF and other local agencies. Assistant United States Attorneys Russell T. Duraski and Brett J. Talley prosecuted this case for Alabama's Middle District.
