Cincinnati community leaders are demanding swift action following a violent street fight in Cincinnati’s downtown that went viral, igniting outrage from leaders and questioning the investigation authorities’ response.
Ohio State Rep. Cecil Thomas said that the Black community deserves answers as the investigation is nearing its third week without progress and is slow and inadequate.
“The video speaks for itself. The method by which this situation has been handled raises serious questions as whether there bias involved in this investigation. It also brings into question the lack of integrity and whether there is something else to hide,” Thomas said Monday.
A viral video shot by WLWT shows a Black man wearing a red shirt being hit in the face by a white man, shortly after sparking a chaotic scene, leading others to join in, causing six other people to be injured.
Police arrested seven people after reviewing video and interviewing, including Patrick Rosemond, 38, Jermaine Matthews, 39, Montianez Merriweather, 34, DeKyra Vernon, 24, Dominique Kittle, 37, and Aisha Devaughn, 25, who have been charged in this case, with aggravated riot and felonious assault charges.
In the event of conviction, these charges could result in a potential 29-year prison sentence. All seven are Black.
Local leaders have raised concerns as to why the white man is still not facing charges.
“Our community is restless, and they’re watching. Since you don’t think young people vote, old folks do. And they have told me they know how to vote, they know how to answer. If you don’t prosecute this gentleman and we’re not talking about we’re demanding prosecution in the next 24 hours,” Pastor Leslie Jones said
Aftab Pureval, mayor of Cincinnati, said Monday night he will ensure justice is served, adding that there is a possibility of extra charging decisions that should be made as soon as possible. He also said members of the public will be fully briefed as soon as all information is available.
“I agree with everyoneโs frustration. I have been clear about my expectations that, in order to preserve both public safety and fairness, anyone involved in perpetrating the violence should be charged. Until all participants are held accountable, justice hasnโt been fully served. And Iโm grateful that community leaders and residents are continuing to come together to make their expectations clear.”, said the mayor.
