Cincinnati Councilwoman Victoria Parks is under fire after a viral social media post appeared to justify a violent downtown brawl that left two white victims severely injured.
Parks’s comment sparked outrage and calls for her resignation amid growing condemnation from local and state officials.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. Saturday outside a downtown bar, where a large crowd—described by police as mostly black individuals—was caught on video punching and stomping a man and woman on the street.
The male victim was left bloodied on the ground, while the woman, who tried to intervene, was knocked unconscious.
Authorities said that despite nearly 100 people being present, only one 911 call was made.
The attack has sparked national attention not just for its brutality, but for what followed.
Councilwoman Victoria Parks, a Democrat representing Cincinnati’s 4th district and serving as President Pro Tem of the city council, appeared to comment on the incident in a Facebook post that read, “They begged for that beat down! I am grateful for the whole story.”
The statement drew swift and widespread condemnation.
Parks, 66, is a longtime local political figure and former Hamilton County commissioner.
She served as chief of staff to Commissioner Todd Portune before being appointed to his seat in 2020.
She later won election to the city council and has championed progressive causes, including a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis and the establishment of Juneteenth as a paid county holiday.
Following her recent post, Parks deactivated her X account.
However, she has not backed down, telling local reporters that she stands by her remarks, stating, “In this country, we have freedom of speech.”
She also referenced the metaphor of shouting fire in a crowded theater, suggesting that the full context of the fight should be considered when judging her comments.
Fellow Democrats on the council have distanced themselves from Parks.
Councilmembers Meeka Owens and Seth Walsh both issued statements condemning her remarks and reaffirming their commitment to public safety.
Parks has thus far refused to resign, according to Fox19.
Police have arrested five suspects in connection to the incident, including Montianez Merriweather, 34; Dekyra Vernon, 24 and Jermaine Matthews, 39.
All face felony assault and aggravated riot charges, according to Breitbart.
Investigators allege Merriweather and Matthews orchestrated what police are calling an “ambush.”
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge pledged more arrests would follow.
“Anyone who put their hands on another individual during this incident in an attempt to cause harm will face consequences,” she said at a press conference, as previously reported by Resist the Mainstream.
The backlash over Parks’ comments has extended beyond city officials.
Ohio Republican State Rep. Phil Plummer and Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police President Ken Kober have both demanded her resignation.
“It’s unconscionable that an elected official would be celebrating violence in the very city she was voted to serve,” Kober said.
U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno also joined the criticism, sharing graphic photos of the female victim, identified only as Holly, and stating she had been hospitalized with severe injuries.
“She wanted to have a nice evening out with friends,” Moreno posted. “Instead, she got this.”
He added that Holly had given permission to share the images to raise awareness.
Parks has announced she will not seek reelection when her term ends in Jan. 2026, according to the New York Post.
Her decision came before the brawl, but some critics have renewed calls for her to step down immediately.
The investigation into the brawl remains ongoing.
The post Cincinnati Councilwoman’s Comment on Viral Street Attack Sparks National Outrage: ‘They Begged for That Beat Down’ appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Gloriel Howard
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