Suspect arrested in connection with the bombing at the Alabama Attorney General's building

On Wednesday, a federal court unsealed two indictments against and arrested, Benjamin Douglas Calvert – age 26 of Irondale – in connection with a bomb detonated outside of the Alabama Attorney General's building in Montgomery on February 24. A second explosive device was later recovered undetonated in Montgomery.

The case was unsealed Wednesday by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. Calvert will appear in federal court in Montgomery Wednesday.

"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 U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts of violence targeting those who serve the public."

"Federal, state, and local law enforcement agents worked tirelessly to investigate this matter," stated Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama Jonathan S. Ross. "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."

Calvert is being charged with two felony counts of malicious damage by explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device.

As the detonation occurred in the early morning hours on a Saturday, no staff or bystanders were injured by the explosion.

"My staff and I are breathing a collective sigh of relief this morning knowing that this individual has been taken off the streets," said Attorney General Marshall. "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. We are grateful to our federal and local partners for their assistance in this matter and are pleased that the offender faces federal charges carrying significant prison time."

If convicted, Calvert faces a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment and a fine for malicious damage by explosive, and 10 years of imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine for the possession of an unregistered destructive device.

An indictment is merely an accusation by the government that the accused has committed a crime. Mr. Calvert, like all indicted persons, is presumed innocent until convicted by a jury of his peers.

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