Cincinnati, Ohio – Two Cincinnati men who were previously arrested in connection with a violent shooting at a popular nightlife venue are now facing federal charges, officials announced. Authorities say the new charges stem from a March 1 incident at Riverfront Live, a nightclub and event space located on Kellogg Avenue, where multiple people were wounded during a chaotic exchange of gunfire.
Franeek Cobb, 24, and Derrick Long, 29, have each been charged in federal court with illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition as convicted felons. Because both men have prior felony convictions, they are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The shooting that triggered the federal case left nine individuals injured and caused panic among patrons who had gathered at the venue that night.
“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.”
Shooting Inside Nightclub Sparks Federal Case
According to court documents, Cincinnati police officers were called to Riverfront Live on the night of March 1 after receiving reports of gunfire inside the nightclub.
When officers arrived, they discovered that nine people had been wounded during the incident. Authorities began an investigation that included reviewing surveillance footage from inside the venue.
Investigators say the video footage helped identify Cobb and Long as the two individuals allegedly involved in the shooting.
An affidavit filed in the case describes how the violence unfolded. According to investigators, Cobb allegedly saw Long nearby and then pulled out a firearm before firing multiple shots in Long’s direction. The gunfire caused people inside the nightclub to panic and run for safety as they tried to avoid the bullets.
Authorities say Long then fell to the ground during the confrontation. Moments later, he allegedly pulled out a firearm and began firing several shots toward Cobb.
Law enforcement officials later recovered a handgun that Cobb allegedly dropped at the bar area while fleeing the scene.
Investigators also analyzed shell casings recovered from the scene. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined that the casings found in the area where Long was shooting were fired from the same .45 caliber firearm.
Further examination through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network confirmed that only two firearms were used during the shooting.
“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.”
Authorities noted that both men had prior criminal histories that made it illegal for them to possess firearms. Cobb was previously convicted in 2022 of having weapons while under disability. Long has several prior felony convictions, including cases involving trafficking in heroin, trafficking in fentanyl, failure to comply, carrying concealed weapons, arson, and receiving stolen property.
If convicted of the federal charges, each man could face a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison. Officials say the investigation remains part of a broader effort to address gun violence in the Cincinnati area.
