Two Cincinnati Men Involved in Mass Shooting Now Face Federal Charges (DOJ)

CINCINNATI - Two Cincinnati men previously arrested on local charges related to a shooting on March 1 at Riverfront Live now face federal charges.

Franeek Cobb, 24, and Derrick Long, 29, are each charged federally with illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon.

"Gun violence in Cincinnati must end," said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. "Our top priority is protecting our communities and holding accountable those who threaten them. If you pull a trigger in an illegal act of violence or otherwise illegally possess a firearm or ammunition, rest assured we will do everything we can to send you to federal prison."

"I am pleased with the aggressive and expeditious manner in which this offense was investigated. The full force of law enforcement - including the Cincinnati Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, prosecutors, and the United States Attorney's Office - worked in close partnership to bring these alleged violent criminals to justice," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge Rosendo. "This level of coordination and commitment is exactly what makes our communities safer for everyone."

According to charging documents, on March 1, Cincinnati police officers responded to Riverfront Live on Kellogg Avenue for a report of a shooting inside the night club and event venue. Nine individuals were wounded in the incident.

Long and Cobb were identified as the two alleged shooters based on a review of surveillance footage from Riverfront Live.

An affidavit details that Cobb observed Long in his immediate vicinity, pulled out a firearm and began firing shots towards Long, causing patrons to seek cover. Long fell to the ground, then allegedly brandished a firearm and began firing multiple gunshots in the direction of Cobb.

Law enforcement seized a handgun that Cobb allegedly dropped at the bar while fleeing the scene. The ATF determined casings recovered from the area where Long was shooting were all fired from the same .45 caliber gun. National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) examination showed that only two firearms were discharged during the shooting.

As previously convicted felons, Cobb and Long are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Cobb has a 2022 felony conviction of having weapons while under disability. Long has several prior felony convictions, including two separate cases involving trafficking in heroin, trafficking in fentanyl, failure to comply, carrying concealed weapons, arson and receiving stolen property.

Each defendant faces up to 15 years in prison.

Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Henni; and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Members of the ATF & Cincinnati Police Department Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) participated in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato is representing the United States in this case.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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