A Longview man was sentenced on July 21 to 20 years in federal prison for robbing a gun store and using a firearm during the crime, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Kip Semauah Hurt, age 26, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker handed down the sentence in the Eastern District of Texas.
Court records show that on August 1, 2024, Hurt robbed a Longview gun store and stole 31 firearms. Local law enforcement agencies including the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office, Marshall Police Department, and Longview Police Department recovered many of these firearms. Authorities determined that one recovered firearm had been used in the shooting of a Longview Police officer.
“Our priority was securing justice for the Longview community and the victims of this robbery, whose business empowered law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “We have a duty to relentlessly prosecute anyone who threatens innocent lives in East Texas, and today’s success is a direct result of the exceptional collaboration of our law enforcement partners.”
Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner said, “ATF is proud to stand alongside our local, state, and federal partners in bringing this offender to justice. This case highlights the cascade effects when criminals obtain firearms. Through strong collaboration and determined investigative work, we were able to hold a violent offender accountable and make our communities safer. We will continue to prioritize cases like this to disrupt criminal activity and protect the public.”
Longview Police Chief Anthony Boone said, “This type of organized criminal behavior will not be tolerated in Longview and the surrounding area… We are thankful for the partnership and support of the Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is described as an initiative by the Department of Justice that coordinates efforts among various law enforcement agencies nationwide with goals such as rapid response to violent crime through prosecution strategies tailored for specific communities.
The case was investigated by both federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as local officers from the Longview Police Department; it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Farahnak.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas covers 43 counties across East Texas; employs about 100 staff members including roughly 50 assistant attorneys; has offices located throughout Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler; prosecutes federal crimes; delivers civil litigation services; supports victims through dedicated services; all as part of its role within United States Department of Justice operations, according to its official website.