Man sentenced to ten years for setting off bomb outside of Alabama Attorney General’s office

Photos from U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama

The man charged with setting off a bomb outside the office of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall last year has pleaded guilty and been sentenced on state charges.

Marshall said today that Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert of Irondale was sentenced to serve ten years in prison. Calvert pleaded guilty to arson in the second degree and to possession of an explosive device before Judge Greg Griffin.

Calvert had previously been sentenced to nine years in prison on federal charges. Marshall says Calvert will serve the two sentences concurrently.

Prosecutors say on February 23, 2024, Calvert traveled from Birmingham to Montgomery. With him, he brought an improvised explosive device (IED) made up of a coffee can, dryer lint, lighter fluid, shrapnel and fireworks.

At approximately 1:00 a.m. on February 24, they say he walked around the Alabama Capitol, placing over fifteen different kinds of political stickers on buildings and other structures, one of which stated, “Support your local Antifa.”

At about 3:35AM, prosecutors say Calvert began walking toward Marshall’s office, where he placed the IED in the walkway near the southeast corner of the building at Washington Avenue and South Bainbridge Street. At 3:42AM, they say he set off the IED, which damaged the building.

“Mr. Calvert did not simply set off an explosive device at an office building — he attacked the state of Alabama and the freedom, liberty, and rule of law that govern all Alabama citizens,” Marshall said.

“The Attorney General’s Office is home to nearly two hundred dedicated employees who work tirelessly for this state. They deserve to perform their duties without fear for their safety. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: terrorism against the people of Alabama will not be tolerated.”

According to his plea agreement in federal court, Calvert claims he has no ties to Antifa.

— Information from the Office of Attorney General Steve Marshall