Cincinnati, OH – Cincinnati City Councilwoman Victoria Parks is facing widespread condemnation following a controversial social media comment she made regarding a violent assault on a white couple that went viral. Parks commented, "They begged for that beat down!" on a Facebook post featuring a video of the incident, sparking immediate outrage and calls for her resignation. The tweet from "Libs of TikTok" highlighted the controversy, stating that Parks had "nuked her account," though recent reports indicate she initially stood by her remarks.
The incident in question occurred in the early hours of Saturday, July 27, 2025, in downtown Cincinnati, near Fourth and Elm Street. A video widely circulated online depicted a man and a woman being brutally attacked by a group of individuals, with the woman reportedly knocked unconscious. Police have since launched an investigation, and five individuals have been charged in connection with the assault.
Councilwoman Parks' comment, which appeared on a Facebook account matching her official biography, drew sharp criticism from various quarters. Ohio State Representative Phil Plummer stated, "Cincinnati Councilwoman Victoria Parks must resign immediately! Defending violent criminals who viciously beat innocent people is disgusting." Ken Kober, President of the Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police, also expressed dismay, calling it "unconscionable that an elected official would be celebrating violence."
Despite the intense backlash, initial reports suggested Parks had not deleted the controversial comment and was standing by her statement as of July 30-31. However, the "Libs of TikTok" tweet implies a subsequent removal or deactivation of her account, adding another layer to the unfolding public relations crisis. The Cincinnati City Council has not yet issued an official statement regarding Parks' comments or the status of her social media presence.
This incident has amplified ongoing discussions about public safety in Cincinnati, particularly in the downtown area, and the responsibilities of elected officials in their public statements. The victims of the assault have not been publicly identified, though one victim, identified as Holly, reportedly spoke with Vivek Ramaswamy, indicating a lack of official outreach from local or state authorities regarding her well-being. The situation continues to evolve as public pressure mounts on Councilwoman Parks and city officials.