CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati city councilwoman is facing criticism over her Facebook remarks following a violent incident in the city’s downtown last weekend.
A Facebook account suspected to be Councilwoman Victoria Parks responded to a post by user Leohna Alia La JCannon displaying the harsh attack, stating, “They begged for that beat down!”
“I am grateful for the whole story,” the comment continues.
A Facebook post, seemingly from Councilwoman Victoria Parks’ account, appears to endorse last weekend’s viral altercation. (Facebook/Leohna Alia La JCannon)
The comments sparked an online firestorm, with a screenshot of the post being circulated widely.
Ohio’s 39th District State Representative, Phil Plummer, took to X, demanding, “Cincinnati Councilwoman Victoria Parks must resign immediately! Supporting violent offenders who assault innocent individuals is appalling. Her comment, ‘They begged for that beat down!’, is beyond unacceptable. Prosecutors need to charge the perpetrators with a hate crime. Our streets need safeguarding!”
“You’re a racist pig, Victoria Parks,” said another post.
“THIS IS INSANE!” said a third person, calling for Parks’ resignation.
The violent incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at the intersection of Fourth and Elm Street in downtown Cincinnati. Widely circulated video footage shows a group aggressively attacking two individuals during an altercation, with one woman being rendered unconscious on the street.
According to Parks’ official city biography, she championed declaring Racism as a Public Health Crisis while working with the Hamilton County governor. The biography also highlights her effort in making Juneteenth a recognized paid holiday for Hamilton County employees.
In January, Parks announced that she would not seek reelection, and will retire after her current term ends.
“It’s unconscionable that an elected official would be celebrating violence in the very city she was voted to serve,” Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police President Ken Kober told Fox News Digital. “This highlights the poor political environment that police officers, residents and visitors are currently enduring. Thankfully, there’s an election in November. I urge voters to vote for change!”
Portrait of Cincinnati City Council Member Victoria Parks. (Victoria Parks via Facebook)
Parks did not return multiple comment requests. An email to the entire city council went unreturned. A representative for the city council declined to comment by phone, directing Fox News Digital to Parks herself.
Mollie Lair, the Communications Director for the Cincinnati City Manager’s Office, viewed the photo in person at city hall, but declined to comment.
