Armed man arrested at ‘No Kings’ protest had more than a dozen explosives at home, police say
Context:
Kevin Krebs, a 31-year-old man from Malvern, Pennsylvania, was initially arrested for illegally carrying a gun near a 'No Kings' protest in West Chester, but later rearrested after authorities discovered a pipe bomb and several explosive devices at his home. He faces multiple felony charges, including possession or manufacture of weapons of mass destruction. The investigation started when a bystander reported Krebs carrying a tactical vest and a handgun near the protest, leading police to find additional weapons in his vehicle. Subsequent searches of his residences uncovered 13 improvised explosive devices and components for more, prompting his rearrest without bail. The district attorney's office has stated the investigation is ongoing, with preliminary hearings set for early July.
Dive Deeper:
Kevin Krebs was first arrested for carrying a loaded Sig Sauer P320 handgun, a bayonet knife, pepper spray, and several magazines of ammunition near a 'No Kings' protest, without a concealed carry permit.
His arrest followed a tip-off from a bystander who saw him strapping on a tactical vest and hiding a handgun under a neon yellow raincoat near the protest site.
Upon searching his vehicle, police found an AR-15-style rifle, further escalating concerns about his intentions during the protest.
As part of his bail conditions, Krebs was required to surrender his weapons and stay at his parents' home, but a search of his own residence revealed a pipe bomb, detailed grenade drawings, and other explosive components.
The discovery included 13 improvised explosive devices, pipes with attached timers, shell casings with unidentified powders, and improvised detonators, all of which were rendered safe by a bomb squad.
Krebs now faces numerous felony and misdemeanor charges, including possession of weapons of mass destruction and reckless endangerment, with court proceedings scheduled for early July.
The Chester County District Attorney's office has not commented extensively on Krebs' motives or plans, and the investigation is described as active and ongoing.