Recently, an Antifa activist was indicted for attempting to detonate an explosive device at the office of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall in the state’s capitol, Montgomery. If convicted, the supporter of the left-wing activist organization could face up to 20 years in prison.
According to reports, 26-year-old Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert was arrested earlier this week and charged with malicious use of an explosive and possessing an unregistered destructive device. The U.S. District Court recently unsealed the case for the Middle District of Alabama, where Calvert, if convicted, would face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland released a statement on Wednesday condemning the attempted act of violence. Garland expressed that the Department of Justice has “no tolerance” for such actions and will hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions.
“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.”
According to the indictment, an explosive device was detonated on February 24 around 3:24 in the morning outside of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Fortunately, no injuries or significant damages resulted from the detonation.
FBI Director Christopher Wray stated that the FBI is actively collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter, noting how “unsettling” the incident is for the local community.
“The FBI worked closely with our law enforcement partners to run down every lead and leverage our forensic capabilities to identify and arrest the person who is allegedly responsible for detonating this dangerous device,” said Wray. “This explosion was very unsettling to the community and we hope today’s arrest provides reassurance that the FBI will investigate those who target public institutions and will hold them accountable for such illegal acts.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama commented on the attempted act of violence, asserting that law enforcement at all levels worked together in a coordinated effort to bring about justice.
“Federal, state, and local law enforcement agents worked tirelessly to investigate this matter,” Ross said. “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.”
Aside from the fact that the suspect is associated with Antifa, additional details have revealed that Calvert was also transgender. Conservative commentator, Andy Ngo shared on X, “Breaking: A suspect has been arrested in the bombing of the Alabama Attorney General’s office in Montgomery on Feb. 24. According to court documents, Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert had extensive Antifa propaganda he allegedly used around the time of the bombing. He allegedly made an IED with nails. Calvert is charged with malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device.” Watch footage of the attempted bombing below:
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.
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