Pro-Antifa Extremist Pleads Guilty To Setting Off Nail Bomb Outside Alabama AG’s Office- LGT
A man with suspected ties to Antifa has pleaded guilty on Friday to detonating an explosive device filled with nails outside the Alabama Attorney General’s office earlier this year, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.
Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, pleaded guilty in federal court to the malicious use of an explosive device. Calvert detonated the device during the early morning hours of February 24 outside the Alabama Attorney General’s Office in downtown Montgomery.
No injuries were reported as a result of the blast.
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When entering the plea, Calvert admitted to constructing the device himself using a collection of household items such as nails and screws to act as shrapnel, as well as accelerants to ignite the explosive. Prosecutors have stated that Calvert filled the device with maximum shrapnel in order to cause the most damage.
The explosion occurred after Calvert lit the fuse and immediately fled the scene. The 6-year-old was ultimately apprehended by law enforcement on April 10.
Calvert had previously expressed support for Antifa and other left-wing extremist groups on social media, the DOJ said. He also endorsed the idea of political violence against the government and placed pro-Antifa stickers near the scene of the crime.
The far-left extremist has claimed that he has no affiliation with the black-bloc militant group Antifa, which has been responsible for several violent attacks and riots in the United States and Europe.
Calvert now faces anywhere between five and 20 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by both the FBI and the ATF.
“Calvert’s offense was a very serious one and today’s plea ensures that he will face significant consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama. “Calvert would not have been held accountable had it not been for the thorough and painstaking investigation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement agents working together. I am grateful for the efforts of everyone involved.”