Jordan Derrick, widely known online as Dugan Ashley of the (in my opinion) rather influential CarniK Con (Carniverous Kinetic Concepts) YouTube channel, and an Army veteran, was recently charged in federal court in Missouri with three counts related to explosives. According to the Department of Justice, the charges include engaging in the business of manufacturing explosive materials without a license, unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device, and distributing information relating to the manufacture of explosives.
The complaint references content shared on social media platforms beginning as early as 2023.
The Early Days of GunTube
Dugan first gained popularity in the gun community around 2013 with his humorous, knowledgeable approach to firearms content, complete with his own self-produced music tracks that were, of course, gun-themed. This is something that was rather novel at the time.
Fans like myself would describe him as an early example of a creator who built a following through genuine enthusiasm combined with high-effort production. His videos often combined technical discussions about machine guns, gun law, and gun culture, along with his and his crew’s signature wit that kept viewers like me supporting his channel and his budding music side gig.
Jordan would later retire early from the Guntube career after being diagnosed with MS. Along with the increased demands this illness put on him, it also weighed heavily on his family, and therefore, at least for the time, Ashely retired from the internet almost entirely until his reappearance on YouTube, this time with an emphasis on explosives.
Federal Charges
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jordan was charged with one count of engaging in the business of manufacturing explosive materials without a license, one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device, and one count of distributing information relating to the manufacture of explosives.
According to the US Attorney . . .
The complaint alleges that beginning no later than Sept. 18, 2023, Derrick began using several social media sites to distribute videos of himself making various explosive materials… In his videos, Derrick provided step-by-step instructions…
Federal authorities are trying to tie some of the allegations to videos downloaded from Derrick’s publicly available accounts. Prosecutors note the videos were used by Shamsud-Din Jabbar in connection with the New Orleans attack on January 1, 2025, where Jabbar reportedly created IEDs consistent with Derrick’s content.
The DOJ statement also references a May, 2026 explosion at a private residence in Odessa, Missouri where the occupant allegedly told investigators he manufactured devices after watching online tutorials believed to be from Derrick’s accounts. Keep in mind that disseminating or replicating this information yourself is not illegal, provided those explosives are manufactured for private use and not transported or sold. If that weren’t true, fun binary explosives like Tannerite wouldn’t exist.
Community Support
Following the announcement of the charges, a GiveSendGo defense fund launched by his wife has seen strong support from much of the 2A community. Funds go directly toward ongoing legal representation (this process could take months or even years), with organizers describing the charges as unfounded and stressing First Amendment concerns around technical information sharing, something which other non-gun YouTubers do on a regular basis with other “energetic substances.”
As of recent updates, the campaign has raised close to $70,000. Bond was reportedly denied after an initial hearing with the judge, citing alleged “hate speech” in one of his more recent videos.
Supporters continue to mobilize, sharing classic CarniK Con clips and songs and calling for contributions to ensure Derrick gets a strong defense. Like all defendants, he’s presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For official details, see the U.S. Attorney’s announcement. To support the Derrick’s legal defense, visit the Dugan Ashley Defense Fund on GiveSendGo.
From the Dug man himself
May 17, 2026
Disclaimer—–
This is Dugan. I am detained and not in control of ANY social media accounts.—–
Whelp, it’s that season to bail Dugan out of total destruction again. (Silly joke)–I’m humbled. I can’t believe that so many people know or care enough to give so much help to this situation. I’m presently disposed in Pettis County Fed holding.
It’s hard to face such a helpless process. It feels like I’m facing an army but I am patiently waiting to argue my defense. I’ve accepted the road is long regardless. I thank each of you for helping my family when I cannot.
Darkness is ahead but I trust that God will deliver me to where I belong. It’s true that it’s always darkest before the dawn.
-Jordan Derrick aka Dugan Ashley