Cincinnati council member makes controversial comment on brawl victims

Imagine a couple savagely attacked in downtown Cincinnati, only for a city official to claim they had it coming. That’s the jaw-dropping reality unfolding after a violent mass brawl over the weekend, where Cincinnati City Council member Victoria Parks ignited a firestorm with her callous social media comment about the victims, as the Daily Mail reports.

A brutal fight in the heart of Cincinnati has spiraled into a national controversy, with a couple viciously assaulted by a mob, arrests made, and now a city leader under fire for suggesting the victims deserved their fate.

Over the weekend, chaos erupted in downtown Cincinnati as a large group descended on a couple, turning a night out into a nightmare. Footage shows a man in a white t-shirt being shoved to the ground, beaten, and trampled by multiple attackers for nearly a minute. Disoriented and struggling to stand, his ordeal was just the beginning.

Gruesome attack caught on camera

A woman in a black dress, rushing to help the man, became the next target. She took two brutal blows to the face, collapsing and striking her head on the pavement with blood pouring from her mouth. The savagery of this assault, witnessed by around 100 onlookers, is hard to fathom.

Shockingly, only one person among the crowd bothered to call 911. Cincinnati Chief of Police Teresa Theetge expressed frustration, saying, “That is unacceptable to not call the police.” With traffic at a standstill and the fight unfolding in plain view, her question stings: why did so few act?

Police have since arrested three individuals — Jermaine Matthews, 39, charged with aggravated riot and assault, along with Montianez Merriweather, 34, and Dekyra Vernon, 24, whose charges remain unclear. Two additional warrants are out for unidentified suspects. Authorities promise more arrests if others are found to have participated in the violence.

Victoria Parks offers outrageous comment

Amid the public outcry, Cincinnati City Council member Victoria Parks, 67, who serves as president pro tem poured fuel on the fire with a Facebook post. She wrote, “They begged for that beat down!” Well, turns out words have consequences, as her remark has sparked widespread anger and demands for her resignation.

Parks, who has served on the council since 2022 after a stint on the Hamilton County Commission, is no stranger to controversy. Her past efforts include declaring racism a public health crisis, which she called her proudest achievement. But this latest statement might just be her most divisive move yet.

Social media erupted with backlash, one commenter asking, “You are on the city council? And you make a statement like this?” It’s a fair question for a public servant set to retire at year’s end, leaving many to wonder if accountability will stick before she exits.

Police chief addresses alleged media missteps

Chief Theetge held a press conference on Monday to tackle the incident and the narratives swirling online. She cautioned, “Social media posts and your coverage of them distort the context of what actually happened.” Her point is clear: incomplete stories hinder justice.

Theetge didn’t mince words about the perpetrators either, stating, “Anyone who put their hands on another individual during this incident in an attempt to cause harm will face consequences.” That’s a promise of accountability, no matter who started what. It’s the kind of no-nonsense stance many crave in times of urban unrest.

Public figures have also weighed in, with Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy expressing dismay after speaking with the female victim, referred to as Holly. He noted, “It’s unconscionable that there were no police present in that area of Cincinnati on a Friday night.” His critique of city safety measures hits a nerve for many residents.

Calls for safety, accountability grow

Vice President JD Vance added his voice, condemning the violence and calling for harsh penalties. He stated, “That person ought to go to jail for a very long time.” His push to make American cities safe again resonates with those tired of street chaos.

The incident has also fueled broader debates about media coverage, with conservatives pointing out the perceived silence from mainstream outlets on the attack. Chief Theetge’s warning about distorted narratives underscores the challenge of getting the full story. It’s a reminder that in the age of viral clips, truth can be the first casualty.

As Cincinnati grapples with this ugly episode, the focus must remain on justice for the victims and safety for all. Parks’ ill-advised comment may fade with her retirement, but the scars of this brawl — both physical and civic — will linger. Let’s hope city leaders take note: actions and words, indeed, have consequences.