A 19-year-old from Canyon has pleaded guilty to a federal charge tied to what authorities describe as a thwarted mass casualty attack planned for the city’s 2025 Independence Day celebrations.
Kevin Hunt entered a plea of guilty on Thursday to one count of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, a charge that carries severe penalties. He now faces a potential sentence ranging from any term of years up to life in prison, along with fines that could reach $250,000, restitution obligations, and the possibility of lifetime probation.
The case stems from an investigation that intensified in the weeks leading up to July 4, 2025. According to court records, Hunt had been on law enforcement’s radar due to increasingly concerning online behavior. Investigators say he made posts referencing self-harm and the idea of carrying out a mass casualty attack, prompting authorities to begin monitoring his activity more closely.
His digital footprint raised further alarm as officials identified statements expressing admiration for past acts of domestic terrorism. This combination of online rhetoric and behavioral escalation contributed to a growing concern among investigators that the threat was becoming more concrete.
Authorities say Hunt’s actions went beyond online activity. In the weeks before the holiday, he allegedly attempted to acquire an AR-15-style rifle but was unsuccessful. Despite that, investigators say he obtained rifle magazines, large quantities of ammunition, and various chemical components commonly associated with improvised explosive devices. Among the materials recovered were hydrogen peroxide, hexamine, and citric acid.
Court documents indicate that investigators believe Hunt may have already conducted explosive tests prior to his arrest, signaling a shift from ideation to preparation.
The alleged target was the city’s Fourth of July parade, a high-attendance public event that would have drawn large crowds. Authorities later described the plan as a potential mass casualty attack, with the holiday timing seen as an attempt to maximize impact.
On July 1, 2025, surveillance teams observed Hunt traveling along the planned parade route, further heightening concerns. The following day, July 2, law enforcement moved in. Officers stopped his vehicle with weapons drawn and detained him under an emergency mental health warrant, citing concerns that he posed a danger to himself or others.
Shortly after being taken into custody, Hunt left a voicemail for his mother indicating he anticipated serious consequences for his actions and acknowledged having made deeply troubling statements.
A subsequent search of his residence, conducted through a coordinated effort between the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Randall County Sheriff’s Office, uncovered firearms, ammunition, and materials linked to explosive construction. This discovery significantly escalated the case, leading to federal terrorism-related charges.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, the July 4 parade proceeded as scheduled, though under heightened security. Authorities increased their presence and implemented additional precautions amid concerns about potential accomplices. No attack occurred, and officials later emphasized that early intervention was key to preventing possible violence.
Hunt’s legal case has included questions surrounding his mental health. His defense raised concerns about his competency to stand trial, leading to a psychological evaluation. In January 2026, a judge determined that he was competent to proceed.
Initially pleading not guilty, Hunt has now formally admitted guilt to the federal charge, marking a significant development in the case.
The incident has drawn attention to the role of online monitoring and early intervention in preventing potential acts of violence. Investigators have pointed to the combination of troubling digital behavior, attempted weapons acquisition, and physical surveillance as factors that allowed authorities to act before any harm occurred.
