Police investigating Main Line man with gun at ‘No Kings’ protest seek public assistance.
Chester County law enforcement is currently investigating the actions of a 31-year-old Malvern man, Kevin Krebs, who brought a firearm to a protest earlier this month, a situation that has raised significant public concern. Krebs was apprehended at a “No Kings” protest in West Chester on June 14, where he was noted for carrying a Sig Sauer P320 pistol along with additional ammunition and military-style gear. The protest, which aimed to denounce former President Donald Trump, drew a substantial crowd, leading authorities to respond to reports about Krebs’ conduct.
Upon being approached by police, Krebs cooperated, voluntarily surrendering his handgun and revealing that he possessed an additional rifle in his vehicle. In a subsequent investigation of his residence shared with his brother, law enforcement discovered a worrying cache of 21 firearms, including a homemade silencer, a 3D printer, and various components capable of converting standard firearms into fully automatic weapons. Critical for the investigation were the 13 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found in his home, constructed with common household materials.
District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe indicated that Krebs was initially charged with carrying a weapon without a concealed carry permit; however, following the alarming discoveries during the home search, his bail—initially set at 0,000—was revoked. This led to more than 20 additional charges against Krebs, encompassing offenses related to the possession of weapons of mass destruction. The authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that it is illegal to possess IEDs.
As part of their investigation, law enforcement is probing the potential implications of Krebs’ actions and whether they may reflect a broader intent beyond self-defense. Currently, no manifesto or plans related to violent acts have been uncovered in connection with his participation in the protest. The political climate during the time of Krebs’ arrest was heightened, particularly given the recent shootings involving public officials in Minnesota, although officials have stated that there is no direct connection between those events and Krebs.
De Barrena-Sarobe has reached out to the public for assistance in piecing together Krebs’ background and motivations, affirming the collaboration with federal entities, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He has cautioned against speculation or conclusions drawn from social media regarding Krebs’ intentions, underscoring the complexity of the case and the necessity of thorough investigation. Krebs reportedly expressed that his rationale for attending the protest was a response to certain policies of the Trump administration, yet the implications of his actions continue to dominate local discourse.
As the investigation unfolds, officials urge anyone with additional information regarding Krebs or his activities to come forward to aid in mitigating any further public safety concerns. The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding public demonstrations and firearm regulations, as well as the need for vigilant community engagement in matters of safety and security.
