Pipe bomb found at home of man arrested at West Chester ‘No Kings’ protest

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (WPHL) — Authorities have discovered a live pipe bomb at the home of a man arrested over the weekend near a political protest in Chester County, Pa.

Kevin Krebs, 31, of Malvern, was taken into custody Saturday evening near the “No Kings” rally in downtown West Chester after demonstrators alerted police to a man carrying a concealed firearm. Officers located the man and learned he was carrying the weapon without a permit. 

According to the arrest affidavit, Krebs was armed with a loaded Sig Sauer P320 pistol, three magazines for the handgun, and six rifle magazines, along with a military-style bayonet, pepper spray, a pocketknife, gloves, and a ski mask.

During the protest, thousands of demonstrators were outside the Historic Chester County Courthouse. Authorities say Krebs was observed walking toward the demonstration wearing tactical gear under a raincoat. He was arrested without incident.

Krebs told investigators he wanted to be prepared after seeing similar protests across the country turn violent.

Krebs was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and later released on $250,000 bail.

But on Monday, the investigation escalated when authorities executed a search warrant at Krebs’ home in Malvern, Pa. The search, conducted with assistance from the FBI, ATF, Montgomery County Bomb Squad, and other local agencies, led to the discovery of a live explosive device in the backyard.

Officials say the pipe bomb was rendered safe by bomb technicians using a remote robot. No injuries were reported, and the device did not detonate.

Krebs is expected to face additional charges related to the explosive.