Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, a 27-year-old resident of Irondale, Alabama, received a nine-year prison sentence for detonating an explosive device outside the Alabama Attorney General’s Office in Montgomery. This decision was announced today.
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 acts of violence against public institutions are intolerable as they endanger public servants and communities. Garland expressed gratitude to the FBI, ATF, and other law enforcement partners for their role 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 collaborating with partners to bring justice to those who attempt violence.
Director Steven Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) remarked: “Today’s sentencing shows that any attack on America’s justice system...will not be tolerated.” He noted that the sentence reflects both the severity of Calvert's crime and ATF's dedication to working with federal, state, and local partners.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama credited coordinated efforts among various law enforcement agencies for making this prosecution possible. He said investigators were able to identify Calvert as a suspect and ensure he was held accountable.
Court documents reveal that on February 24, 2024, during early morning hours, Calvert placed an explosive device near the Alabama Attorney General's Office. During his plea hearing, he admitted to creating the device using nails and screws as shrapnel before lighting its fuse and leaving. Although no injuries occurred from the explosion, prior to planting it, Calvert placed stickers advocating political ideologies around downtown buildings; some bore phrases like “Support your local antifa.” Despite these actions, Calvert claims no affiliation with antifa.
Calvert was arrested by law enforcement on April 10, 2024. The investigation was led by the FBI with assistance from ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell T. Duraski and Brett J. Talley prosecuted this case for the Middle District of Alabama.