CINCINNATI – The FBI and Department of Justice have verified the existence of an active federal investigation into the brutal assault that happened downtown last weekend, which gained widespread attention after being circulated online and stunned people nationwide.
“The FBI has been and will continue closely coordinating with the Cincinnati Police Department on this matter,” the federal law enforcement agency stated to Fox News Digital on Wednesday morning.
A DOJ official also confirmed Wednesday morning that there is an open federal investigation into the matter.
A fight broke out on Friday night in Downtown Cincinnati, leaving several people injured. (X/@Anthea06274890)
As of Wednesday morning, three people had been arrested and taken into custody, while two others had been charged but not yet arrested.
Montianez Merriweather, 34, and Dekyra Vernon, 24, were apprehended Tuesday night. Both are facing charges of felonious assault, aggravated riot, and assault. Merriweather is being held on a $500,000 bond, whereas Vernon is being held on a $200,000 bond.
Another suspect, Jermaine Matthews, was detained overnight and is charged with aggravated riot and assault. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.
Meriweather was previously out on bond, having been charged with receiving stolen property, weapons under disability, improper transportation of a firearm, and additional charges earlier this month.
Cincinnati Chief of Police Teresa Theetge denounced the attack at a Tuesday night public safety meeting.
Cincinnati Chief of Police Teresa Theetge announces the arrests of two individuals allegedly involved in a weekend altercation that attracted national attention. (Fox News Digital)
“Let me be clear, crystal clear, that was a violent, violent encounter,” she said. “It makes me sick to watch it over and over again on national news especially. I do not like Cincinnati being portrayed in a negative light on the national news. We can do better. We can so much better.”
Theetge declined to comment further after the meeting, and the Cincinnati Police Department did not return a Wednesday morning comment request.
Fox News Digital reached out to Pureval’s office.
