A Randall County man accused of planning a violent attack on Independence Day has been formally indicted by a federal grand jury, according to court documents filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Amarillo Division.
Kevin Hunt, 18, now faces the charge of “Attempted Use of a Weapon of Mass Destruction”, a serious federal offense that carries potentially decades in prison if he is convicted.
Background of Arrest
Hunt was first taken into custody in July after authorities alleged he was in possession of materials that could be used to create explosive devices. Court filings state that Hunt knowingly possessed components such as Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine (HMTD), hexamine, citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, energetic powder, shotgun shell shot, BBs, electric matches, and a pyrotechnic firing device. Prosecutors argue these materials, when combined, could create improvised explosive devices intended to cause mass harm.
Officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that Hunt had displayed troubling behavior in the weeks leading up to the Fourth of July. This allegedly included alarming posts on social media suggesting self-harm and a stated desire to commit a mass casualty attack. Investigators also said they observed Hunt conducting surveillance near locations where local Independence Day celebrations were set to occur.
Search Warrant and Evidence Found
Based on those concerns, DPS agents pursued a search warrant for Hunt’s residence in Randall County. During the July search, authorities reported finding multiple items commonly used in making explosives, along with several firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The discovery led to Hunt being charged on July 11 with possession of explosive components, a charge that has since been elevated at the federal level.
Indictment Details
The formal indictment, filed on September 10, states that Hunt not only possessed explosive components but also intended to assemble them for use in violent crimes, including capital murder, aggravated assault, or acts of terrorism. Federal prosecutors allege Hunt’s actions amounted to an attempt to deploy a weapon of mass destruction, even if no device was successfully constructed or detonated.
Community Concerns and Next Steps
The case has raised concerns in the Amarillo and Randall County community, given its timing around one of the busiest holidays of the year. Independence Day events in the area routinely draw large crowds for parades, fireworks, and public gatherings. Authorities have not specified which exact locations Hunt may have been targeting, but officials say the investigation prevented what could have been a devastating attack.
Hunt remains in federal custody pending trial. His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled, but the indictment ensures the case will move forward through the federal judicial process.
If convicted on the charge of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, Hunt faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the public was never in immediate danger once Hunt was taken into custody in July. They credit proactive monitoring of social media activity, community tips, and coordinated investigative work with stopping the alleged plot before it could be carried out.
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