2 Men Arrested in Cincinnati Nightclub Shooting Face Federal Charges

Franeek Cobb and Derrick Long charged with illegal firearm possession after shooting that wounded 9 people

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Two men, Franeek Cobb and Derrick Long, have been arrested and charged with federal crimes for their alleged involvement in a shooting at a Cincinnati nightclub that left 9 people wounded. Surveillance footage shows both men firing weapons during the incident at Riverfront Live early on Sunday morning.

Why it matters

The shooting at Riverfront Live is the latest in a string of high-profile incidents of gun violence in Cincinnati, raising concerns about public safety and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the city. Federal charges against the suspects could lead to harsher penalties and aim to send a strong message about the consequences of such crimes.

The details

According to prosecutors, Cobb and Long each face federal charges for illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition as convicted felons. Surveillance footage shows Cobb pulling out a gun and firing at Long, who then fell to the ground and allegedly began shooting back. Ballistic evidence indicates only two firearms were used in the shooting, which occurred during a birthday celebration at the nightclub.

  • The shooting took place around 1 a.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026 inside Riverfront Live.
  • Cobb was arraigned on local charges of felonious assault on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • Long also faces local charges related to the shooting but did not appear in court on Tuesday.

The players

Franeek Cobb

A 24-year-old man arrested and charged with federal crimes for illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon. Surveillance footage shows Cobb pulling out a gun and firing at Derrick Long during the shooting.

Derrick Long

A 29-year-old man arrested and charged with federal crimes for illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon. Surveillance footage shows Long allegedly firing back at Cobb after being shot at.

Dominick S. Gerace II

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, who stated that the federal government will hold accountable those who commit acts of gun violence in the community.

Connor Wood

The Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor who said Cobb had a "long-standing grudge" against an unidentified victim and "immediately" opened fire when he saw the victim inside the venue.

Anton Canady

A witness who heard what sounded like a fight before the shooting started, and laid on top of his girlfriend to protect her from being trampled as people rushed toward the exits.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Dominick S. Gerace II, U.S. Attorney (newser.com)

“There was no interaction between the parties leading up to this.”

— Connor Wood, Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor (newser.com)

“I don't think it was like they was doing it purposely or intentionally, I just think nobody wanted to die in there.”

— Anton Canady (newser.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Franeek Cobb to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This shooting highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence and illegal firearm possession in Cincinnati, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and community-based solutions to improve public safety in the city.