Cincinnati mayoral candidate Cory Bowman addresses a town hall meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio on Monday, August 4, 2025.  (Julia Bonavita/Fox News Digital)

“There are indications from City Hall suggesting that the police lack the necessary support,” Bowman told Fox News Digital. “They face constraints in performing their duties as they are repeatedly instructed to exercise restraint instead of enforcing the law. They are told to pull back, and this leads to a situation where prosecutors and judges implement a catch-and-release approach.” 

In a previous statement, Council Member Anna Albi also condemned the brutal beating, while vowing to support the community’s police force. 

“It is absolutely unacceptable to endorse such terrible violence,” Albi stated. “As elected officials and city leaders, our foremost duty is to ensure the community’s safety. This City Council is committed to bolstering our police force while also investing in social services to nurture safe and healthy communities.”

If convicted, the suspects face the possibility of 29.5 years in prison.