Cincinnati police have launched a full investigation into a violent assault in downtown Cincinnati that left a man and a woman unconscious. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated, occurred early Saturday morning at the intersection of West Fourth Street and Elm Street. Authorities are actively seeking the suspects involved in the attack.
Cincinnati Police Chief Terri Theetge expressed her strong condemnation of the incident. "I am in complete disgust waking up to the viral video many of you have now seen. The behavior displayed is nothing short of cruel and absolutely unacceptable," Chief Theetge stated, adding that her investigative team is diligently working to identify all individuals involved. She clarified that the assault was a sudden dispute and not connected to the ongoing Cincinnati Music Festival.
The footage shows a man being repeatedly hit and kicked by a group of individuals. A woman was also assaulted, seen with blood coming from her mouth after she reportedly attempted to intervene and check on the man. Both victims were rendered unconscious during the brutal attack.
The Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) also strongly criticized the violence and the actions of bystanders who filmed rather than assisting. "The violence this video shows downtown is disgusting. What's equally disgusting is those who chose to watch and record instead of calling 911, attempting to defuse the situation or render aid," said Cincinnati FOP President Ken Kober.
Kober voiced confidence in the Central Business Section Investigators, stating, "I have full faith in the Central Business Section Investigators they will make arrests in the near future. It will then be the responsibility of the court system to hold these violent thugs accountable." This incident follows previous concerns about downtown safety, with other violent attacks reported in the area earlier in the year. Police are urging anyone with information or additional video evidence to come forward.