Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno has intensified his criticism of Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, calling for his resignation and threatening to suspend federal funding to the city unless a comprehensive plan to address urban violence and protect civil rights is presented within 30 days. The demands follow a widely publicized violent incident in downtown Cincinnati that sparked national attention.
Moreno, a Republican Senator for Ohio, expressed his dismay on social media, stating, > "The Mayor makes the case that there is so much violence in his own City, because of his failed policies, that he can’t be bothered to speak to the victims of his lack of leadership. This is his true nature when you take him off the poll tested talking points." He accused the mayor of being absent and failing to address the city's public safety challenges.
The controversy centers around a recent "mob attack" in downtown Cincinnati, which went viral and prompted significant public outcry. Senator Moreno highlighted the plight of a victim, identified as Holly, who was injured in the incident and allegedly received inadequate immediate assistance. Moreno has since connected victims with the Department of Justice, leading to an FBI investigation into the assault.
Mayor Pureval has dismissed Moreno's actions as "political theater," asserting that the city has a robust public safety plan in place that has already led to a significant reduction in citywide violence. He emphasized that Moreno's threat to withhold federal funding would ultimately harm Cincinnati residents. The mayor's office confirmed that Pureval cut short a vacation to address the situation.
Moreno's ultimatum includes a demand for city council to develop an action plan to protect citizens' civil rights, warning of federal funding suspension if an adequate response is not provided. This move underscores a growing political divide over urban crime and accountability, with federal intervention now a distinct possibility in Cincinnati's public safety strategy.