Montgomery, Ala. – A federal judge sentenced Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert to 108 months in prison for using an explosive device outside the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. The 27-year-old from Irondale, Alabama, was charged with malicious use of the device.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, “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 and commended law enforcement agencies for their efforts in ensuring accountability.
FBI Director Christopher Wray remarked on the case's conclusion as a demonstration of the FBI's commitment to justice. “This case demonstrates the FBI’s continued commitment to working with our partners to bring to justice anyone who attempts violence to injure or intimidate members of our community.”
ATF Director Steven Dettelbach noted that the sentencing reflects both the crime's severity and ATF's dedication to holding attackers accountable. “Today’s sentencing shows that any attack on America’s justice system...will not be tolerated,” he said.
Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson credited coordinated law enforcement efforts for identifying and prosecuting Calvert. He stated, “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.”
According to court documents, on February 24, 2024, Calvert placed an explosive device outside the office in downtown Montgomery. During his plea hearing, he admitted manufacturing it using nails and screws as shrapnel before fleeing post-detonation without causing injuries. Prior to this act, Calvert placed stickers advocating various political ideologies around downtown buildings; however, he claimed no affiliation with Antifa despite some stickers containing related phrases.
The investigation was led by the FBI with support from ATF and state law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorneys Russell T. Duraski and Brett J. Talley prosecuted the case.