Judge rules Kevin Hunt competent to stand trial in alleged Canyon Fourth of July attack plot

A federal judge has ruled that Kevin Alexander Hunt is competent to stand trial in a high-profile case involving allegations that he planned an attack during a Fourth of July celebration in Canyon.

The ruling followed a competency hearing held today, during which the court heard testimony from Dr. Emily Morris, the mental health expert who evaluated Hunt. Morris testified that Hunt understands the charges against him and is able to communicate effectively with his attorney. Based on that testimony and the court record, the judge determined Hunt is mentally fit to move forward in the legal process.

Court records show Hunt had been undergoing a court-ordered mental health evaluation at a facility in California and has since been discharged. Neither Hunt nor his attorney raised any objections to Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s order restoring competency. No family members, friends, or witnesses were present at the hearing. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

Hunt, who is 18, was ordered in October to undergo a 30-day psychiatric evaluation after concerns were raised about his mental state and his ability to understand the charges against him. According to recent court filings, his legal counsel requested additional time to review the evaluation with their client before proceedings continue. A motion for continuance was filed for that purpose, and records indicate the government did not oppose the request. Hunt remains in custody as both the state and federal cases proceed.

Serious Charges at State and Federal Levels

Hunt faces charges in multiple jurisdictions, including some of the most serious offenses available under both state and federal law. In September, a federal grand jury indicted him 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.

In October, 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. Prosecutors allege the charges stem from a plan to carry out an attack during Canyon’s Fourth of July parade, an annual event that draws large crowds from across the Texas Panhandle.

Alleged Explosive Materials Seized

Authorities arrested Hunt in July after investigators allegedly found him in possession of materials commonly associated with the construction of explosive devices. According to court documents, those materials included 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 advanced the alleged plan was or whether specific targets had been identified, but investigators have stated 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 significant role in how the cases move forward. The examination was intended to determine whether Hunt is competent to stand trial and whether any mental health conditions may have influenced his actions at the time of the alleged offenses.

Court records indicate Hunt has now returned to jail while his attorneys review the evaluation’s findings. No trial dates have been set in either the state or federal proceedings.

Protective Order Limits Access to Evidence

In the federal case, Judge Kacsmaryk recently granted a protective order requested by prosecutors, citing an ongoing and expanding investigation. The filing notes the possibility of additional individuals connected to the case, stating that “there are other potential unindicted coconspirators” and that investigators are examining “other individuals being investigated that communicated with (Hunt) in various online platforms.”

Investigators seized a large volume of electronic devices, communications, and juvenile records during the investigation. Prosecutors told the court the evidence contains extensive sensitive and personally identifying information, particularly involving minors, and argued that fully redacting the materials would be overly burdensome and potentially incomplete.

Under the protective order, Hunt’s defense team may review the evidence but may not make copies, share it outside the legal team, or provide copies directly to Hunt. Hunt is permitted to review the materials only under supervision, and attorneys are restricted from discussing case details with individuals outside the court and legal teams involved.

Community Impact and Ongoing Proceedings

The allegations have had a significant impact on the Canyon community, particularly because they involve an alleged threat to a major public celebration. Officials have credited cooperation between local law enforcement and federal authorities with preventing what they say could have been a mass-casualty incident.

For now, Hunt remains in custody as the legal process continues. Prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges or arrests may follow, and no trial dates have been announced.