In a shocking incident, a 26-year-old Alabama man has been charged with maliciously detonating an explosive device outside the office of the state attorney general. The suspect, Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert of Irondale, was arrested by authorities on charges of malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device, as announced by the justice department on Wednesday.

The explosive device was detonated on 24 February outside the office of Attorney General Steve Marshall in Montgomery. Fortunately, no staff or personnel were injured, and no buildings were damaged in the incident. Agents and troopers of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, along with special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montgomery police officers, promptly responded to the scene.

Upon investigation, remnants of the device were discovered, leading authorities to note that it had been rigged as an improvised explosive device (IED), stating that Calvert had added a substantial number of nails and other shrapnel to increase its destructive capability. In addition, it was found that Calvert had allegedly placed stickers advocating various political ideologies on state buildings, with references to antifa, anti-police, and anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement sentiments.

Video surveillance footage played a crucial role in tracking Calvert's movements on the night of the explosion. His vehicle was identified through license plate reader information and social media analysis, along with an examination of his mannerisms and the explosive device itself, according to court documents reviewed by NBC.

If convicted, Calvert could face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with a maximum penalty of 20 years. Following the arrest, Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed relief, stating, "My staff and I are breathing a collective sigh of relief this morning knowing that this individual has been taken off the streets." He further added, "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."

Authorities are grateful for the assistance of federal and local partners in this matter and are satisfied that the offender now faces federal charges that carry significant prison time. Additional details regarding the case are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.