() The Cincinnati police union has unanimously voted “no confidence” in Mayor Aftab Pureval following a brawl last month that quickly went viral.

The Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police stated that the vote was prompted by Pureval’s slow response to the incident, citing “a series of leadership failures over the past month that have compromised public safety, police operations, and community trust.”

“This unanimous vote of no confidence clearly signals our members’ belief that Mayor Pureval’s leadership has been lacking in supporting the men and women who safeguard this city daily,” FOP President Ken Kober expressed in a statement to WLWT-TV. “From political interference in law enforcement to neglecting officers’ and the community’s well-being, these failures call for accountability and change.”

‘This is a time to work together’: Pureval

Pureval said he’s disappointed in the vote and doesn’t believe the vote reflects the work he’s done with officers.

“We’ve had the backs of law enforcement, without fail, every step of the way since taking office,” he said in a statement to WCPO-TV.

Pureval also said he looks forward to “continuing to support all of our officers.”

“We share a common goal: the health and safety of those we serve,” he mentioned. “This is a time to collaborate and continue enhancing safety in our city. We will not ease up on that work, nor will we ease up on our investments in law enforcement to ensure Cincinnati is as safe as possible.”

Suspects face nearly 30 years in prison if convicted

On July 26, a verbal dispute escalated swiftly into violence. Eight individuals have been charged so far. They face nearly 30 years in prison if found guilty, with charges including three counts of felonious assault, three charges of assault, and two charges of aggravated rioting.

Ohio’s aiding and abetting law serves as the basis for these charges. According to this law, anyone assisting or facilitating the commission of a crime, even without directly committing it, can face the same penalties as the primary offender. 

These charges have surfaced amid growing criticism of the city’s handling of the brawl. On Friday, the Hamilton County Association of Chiefs of Police issued a statement highlighting “systemic issues” within Cincinnati’s judicial system, demanding greater transparency in sentencing, bond setting, and judicial decision-making.