Authorities have identified at least four suspects in a violent brawl that took place in downtown Cincinnati, police sources tell Fox News.
FOX 19 reported that the fight took place on Friday night between Elm and Fourth Streets, with videos of the brawl going viral on social media.
A video spreading across social media captures two individuals assaulting a man in a white t-shirt, ultimately pushing him to the ground. While on the ground, the man was kicked multiple times, but he managed to stand up afterward.
The footage also shows a woman lying unconscious on the street after being punched. Several people gathered to assist her, and she eventually regained consciousness.
A woman was punched on Friday night in Cincinnati. (X/@Anthea06274890)
“The conduct displayed is exceptionally cruel and absolutely intolerable,” she stated. “Our investigative team is vigorously working to identify everyone involved in inflicting harm. It’s crucial to note: this stemmed from an unexpected conflict between individuals following a verbal dispute.”
In a statement posted to X, Democrat Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval said he was “outraged” by the “vicious” fight.
“It is horrifying to watch, and this unacceptable and disgusting behavior is intolerable in any part of our community. That’s not who we are as a city,” Pureval said. “Based on the investigation and the urgent work of our police, I am confident that arrests are forthcoming. For that reason, we are making every effort to allow our officers to do their job and present formal results to the public, rather than engaging with early speculation.”
“Let me be clear: Cincinnati is an inclusive city where all can come together to enjoy major events in our urban core,” he added.
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in on the fight, saying while he doesn’t have all the context, he saw “a mob of lawless thugs beating up an innocent person.”
“It’s disgusting. I hope every single one of those people who engaged in violence is prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Vance said. “You had a grown man who sucker punched a middle-aged woman and where I come from at least… when you have a grown man sucker punching a middle-aged woman that person ought to go to jail for a very long time. And frankly, he is lucky there weren’t some better people around because they would handle it themselves.”
DOJ Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon posted on X that the agency would “monitor closely” how local authorities handle the attack.
Cincinnati police Chief Teresa Theetge called a brawl in downtown Cincinnati nothing short of cruel, and absolutely unacceptable. (WXIX)
“Nobody in our great nation should be the victim of such a crime, and where race is a motivation, federal law may apply,” Dhillon added.
Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney said police will find anyone involved in the fight and they “will be held accountable,” according to WLWT.
“I mean, that was just crazy. You know, it was disgusting. It was horrible to see,” Kearney said. “You know, we talk to our teens about not fighting and how to get along — how to deescalate. And then you have adults out here showing bad behavior.”
People with information are asked to call the Cincinnati Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.
