The US Department of Justice announced the arrest and charges against a man from Alabama for detonating an explosive device outside the State Attorney General’s office in downtown Montgomery earlier this year.
26-year-old Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, from Irondale, was arrested on April 10 on charges of malicious use of explosives and possession of an unregistered destructive device.
According to State Attorney General Steve Marshall, if convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine for malicious destruction with explosives, and up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 for possessing an unregistered destructive device.
On the early morning of February 24, an explosive device was detonated outside his office as confirmed by Marshall and other officials, with no injuries reported among his staff and bystanders.
Law enforcement agencies in Alabama, along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and officers from the Montgomery Police Department quickly arrived at the scene, found remnants of the device, and initiated an investigation.
Marshall welcomed the indictment and arrest of Calvert in a statement on April 10, expressing relief that the individual had been taken off the streets.
He stated, “While more information will be provided in the coming weeks, I can confidently say this was not a random act of violence. We appreciate the assistance provided by our federal and local partners in this matter and are pleased that the perpetrator is facing federal charges and imprisonment.”
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized close collaboration with law enforcement partners to follow every lead and utilize forensic capabilities to identify and apprehend those responsible for detonating the dangerous device.
Wray added, “This bombing incident has caused significant unease in society, and we hope today’s arrest brings reassurance that the FBI will investigate individuals targeting public institutions and hold them accountable for such unlawful acts.”
Authorities stated there was no clear motive for the incident and have not provided any new information regarding possible political or ideological motivations.
The explosion occurred shortly after a ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court on the status of human embryos. According to the decision, embryos, including those created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and subsequently frozen, are considered children under state law and receive protection under the state’s “Wrongful Death of Minor Act.”
The decision was widely welcomed by the anti-abortion movement but prompted the swift passage of a bill by the Alabama legislature to protect IVF providers and clients from liability related to embryo death.
The measure was signed into law by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on March 6.
Marshall’s office stated that he does not intend to prosecute IVF providers or families, despite the recent ruling triggering controversy due to a lawsuit related to the destruction of embryos stored in a cryogenic facility. The ruling has raised widespread concerns about the future of IVF treatment in the state.
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