Cincinnati Leaders Press Police to Charge White Man in Viral Assault Case

Black community leaders in Cincinnati are urging police and prosecutors to file charges against a white man who was beaten in a downtown brawl on 26 July but is alleged to have slapped a Black man and used a racial slur moments before the violence escalated. Speaking at New Prospect Baptist Church on 12 August, Reverend Damon Lynch and Ohio State Representative Cecil Thomas said the decision to indict six Black participants on eight counts each of felonious assault and aggravated rioting, while not charging the white man, raises questions about bias and transparency in the investigation. Police and court records describe an attack that left six people injured, including a woman identified only as Holly, who says she sustained brain damage after trying to shield the first victim. Video of the incident shows Jermaine Matthews and Montianez Merriweather allegedly coordinating an ambush; both are among those facing up to 29.5 years in prison if convicted. Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge has confirmed that the unnamed white man has retained counsel and has not spoken with investigators, but said the probe remains active and additional arrests are possible. The FBI has opened a parallel civil-rights inquiry. Community speakers warned city officials that public trust will erode unless all individuals involved, “regardless of race or socioeconomic background,” are held accountable. City Council members Scotty Johnson and Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney echoed calls for greater transparency, while also urging national political figures to avoid exploiting the case for partisan gain.