MONTGOMERY, Ala. — An Irondale, Alabama, man is facing federal charges for his alleged role in detonating an explosive device in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. On April 10, law enforcement arrested Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, on charges of malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
“Thanks to the work of the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners, this defendant is being held accountable for allegedly detonating an explosive device outside of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts of violence targeting those who serve the public.”
“Federal, state, and local law enforcement agents worked tirelessly to investigate this matter,” stated Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. “The arrest today is a reflection of the way in which close cooperation among law enforcement agencies facilitates the pursuit of justice. I am grateful for the efforts of all involved.”
According to the indictment and other court documents, an explosive device was detonated on Feb. 24 at approximately 3:42 a.m. outside of the Alabama Attorney General's Office near the intersection of Washington Avenue and South Bainbridge Street. No injuries or major damage to nearby buildings were reported. Agents and Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, along with special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and officers from the Montgomery Police Department, responded to the scene when remnants of the device were discovered.
The case was unsealed today by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. Calvert is scheduled for his initial appearance in federal court in Montgomery today at 1:30 p.m. If convicted, Calvert faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison with no possibility of parole. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI Mobile Field Office, Montgomery Resident Agency Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and Alabama Attorney General’s Office investigated the case.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has issued the following statement:
"My staff and I are breathing a collective sigh of relief this morning knowing that this individual has been taken off the streets,” said Attorney General Marshall. “Although more information will be provided in the weeks to come, I think it is safe to say that this was not a random act of violence. We are grateful to our federal and local partners for their assistance in this matter and are pleased that the offender faces federal charges carrying significant prison time.”