A Randall County man accused of planning a violent attack during Fourth of July celebrations in Canyon has been returned to jail following a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation, as his legal proceedings continue in both state and federal court.
Kevin Hunt, 18, was ordered in October to undergo a 30-day psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he is competent to stand trial. The evaluation was requested after concerns were raised about his mental state and his ability to understand the charges against him. According to recent court filings, Hunt’s legal counsel asked for additional time to review the evaluation with their client before proceedings move forward. A motion for continuance was filed for that purpose, and records show the government did not oppose the request.
Hunt remains in custody as the cases against him continue to develop.
Serious Charges at State and Federal Levels
Hunt’s case spans multiple jurisdictions and involves some of the most serious criminal charges available under both state and federal law. In September, a federal grand jury indicted Hunt in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Amarillo Division, on a charge of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.
One month later, a Randall County grand jury returned additional indictments charging Hunt with possession of components of explosives, attempt to commit capital murder of multiple persons, and terrorism. These charges stem from allegations that Hunt was planning an attack during Canyon’s Fourth of July parade, an annual event that draws large crowds of families and spectators from across the Texas Panhandle.
Alleged Explosive Materials Seized
Authorities arrested Hunt in July after investigators allegedly discovered he was in possession of materials commonly associated with the construction of explosive devices. Court documents list the items as including Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine (HMTD), Hexamine, citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, energetic powder, BBs or shotgun shell shot, electric matches, and a pyrotechnic firing device.
Prosecutors allege Hunt intended to combine these components to carry out acts such as capital murder, aggravated assault, or terrorism. Officials have not publicly detailed how far along the alleged plan had progressed or whether specific targets had been identified, but investigators have emphasized that no members of the public were harmed.
Mental Competency Central to Case
The psychiatric evaluation ordered earlier this fall is expected to play a key role in determining how the cases proceed. The examination is intended to assess whether Hunt is currently competent to stand trial and whether any mental health conditions may have affected his behavior at the time of the alleged offenses.
Court records indicate that Hunt has now returned to jail following the evaluation, while his attorneys review its findings. No trial dates have been set in either the state or federal cases.
Protective Order Limits Access to Evidence
In the federal case, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk recently granted a protective order requested by prosecutors. The order points to an ongoing and expanding investigation and notes the possibility of additional individuals connected to the case.
According to the court filing, prosecutors stated that “there are other potential unindicted coconspirators” and that investigators are examining “other individuals being investigated that communicated with (Hunt) in various online platforms.” The documents do not identify those individuals or platforms, and no additional arrests have been announced.
Investigators seized a large volume of electronic devices, communications, and juvenile records during the investigation. Prosecutors told the court the evidence is extensive and contains sensitive, personally identifying information, particularly involving minors. They argued that attempting to redact all such information would be overly burdensome and potentially incomplete.
Under the protective order, Hunt’s defense team may review the evidence but is prohibited from making copies, sharing it outside the legal team, or providing copies directly to Hunt. Hunt may review the materials only under supervision. Attorneys are also restricted from discussing case details with anyone outside the court and the legal teams involved.
Community Impact and Ongoing Proceedings
The protective order is intended to allow both sides to prepare for trial without delaying proceedings while also protecting the identities of minors and uncharged individuals. However, it also means fewer details about the investigation may become public in the near future.
The Canyon community continues to process the seriousness of the allegations, particularly given the potential threat to a major public celebration. Officials have credited coordination between local law enforcement and federal authorities with preventing what could have been a mass-casualty incident.
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