Cincinnati leaders are reportedly urging members of the local government to press charges against a White man who was caught on video slapping a Black man during a viral incident that resulted in six injuries and seven arrests in late July.
During a public meeting led by Ohio State Representative Cecil Thomas on Monday, community members gathered to voice concerns over the city’s approach to the investigation of the altercation, as reported by WLWT.
“The video speaks for itself,” Thomas stated, according to the outlet. “The way this situation has been handled raises serious questions about potential bias in this investigation. It also calls into question the integrity of the process and whether there is something being concealed.”
The corner of Fourth and Elm Street outside of LoVe, a local nightclub, where the incident occurred, as seen on July 28, 2025, in Cincinnati. (Peter D’Abrosca/Fox News Digital)
All seven suspects are Black, sparking questions from local leaders about the investigation and why the White man has not been charged.
“Our community is restless, and they’re watching,” Pastor Leslie Jones expressed, as reported by WLWT. “Even if you think young people don’t vote, older individuals definitely do. They’ve made it clear to me that they know how to vote, they know how to respond. If you don’t prosecute this individual – and we are not just suggesting – we are demanding prosecution within the next 24 hours.”
Additionally, Cincinnati mayor Aftab Pureval told WLWT that any decisions regarding additional charges will be “made as soon as possible.”
“I understand everyone’s frustration,” Pureval stated, according to the outlet. “I have consistently emphasized my expectation that, to ensure both public safety and fairness, anyone involved in the violence should face charges. Justice remains incomplete until all parties are held accountable. I appreciate the ongoing efforts of community leaders and residents to make their expectations known.”
The mayor’s office and Rep. Thomas did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
