An Irondale man was arrested Wednesday by law enforcement officials in connection to an explosive device that detonated outside the Alabama Attorney General’s office in late February.
Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, has been charged with 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 U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts of violence targeting those who serve the public.”
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed his gratitude towards law enforcement and also promised additional info on the explosion.
“My staff and I are breathing a collective sigh of relief this morning knowing that this individual has been taken off the streets,” said 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.”
RELATED: Explosive device detonated at Alabama Attorney General’s office
“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.”
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross gave credit to the coalition who made the arrest possible.
“Federal, state, and local law enforcement agents worked tirelessly to investigate this matter,” stated 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.”
Calvert is scheduled for his initial appearance in federal court in Montgomery today at 1:30pm.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment and a fine for malicious damage by explosive, and 10 years of imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine for the possession of an unregistered destructive device.
The FBI Mobile Field Office, Montgomery Resident Agency Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and Alabama Attorney General’s Office investigated the case.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
