Cincinnati mayoral hopeful condemns city leadership after viral downtown attack

Written: July 29, 2025, 14:45 (EDT)

A violent downtown Cincinnati assault caught on video has ignited a political firestorm. Mayoral candidate Cory Bowman, a former police officer and half-brother of U.S. Senator JD Vance, is calling out the city’s leadership, arguing that lenient policies and understaffed law enforcement are putting public safety at risk.

Viral beating draws national attention

A disturbing video of a group assault on Fourth and Elm Street in downtown Cincinnati surfaced over the weekend, showing multiple individuals violently beating a defenseless person near a busy intersection. Despite over 100 apparent witnesses and several recording the incident on their phones, only one person called 911, according to Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge.

“That is unacceptable,” Chief Theetge said during a press conference on Monday. “Traffic was horrendous. People saw this. They were fighting in front of cars. Why didn’t more people call us?”

The incident took place early Saturday morning outside a popular downtown nightclub and has since spread widely on social media, prompting national outrage and renewed debates about crime in urban areas.

Bowman: Leadership is failing the city

Cory Bowman, who placed second in Cincinnati’s nonpartisan mayoral primary in May, is now preparing to challenge incumbent Mayor Aftab Pureval in November. In a Monday interview with Fox News Digital, Bowman pointed to what he sees as failed leadership, claiming current policies are hindering law enforcement and allowing violence to escalate.

“People don’t even see the sense in calling 911 anymore,” Bowman said. “It’s a wake-up call that we need stronger policy, immediate action, and real accountability to protect our residents and businesses.”

Bowman described the assault as a tragic reflection of what many downtown residents already know. “What happened here is a microcosm of what’s going on in cities across America,” he added. “You’re seeing fights, crime spikes, and laws going unenforced. This isn’t unique to Cincinnati — but we need to start fixing it here.”

Criticism of crime data and city response

Bowman also criticized city leaders and the local media for downplaying rising crime trends. While some officials reported a decline in crime rates earlier this year, Bowman argues those claims were misleading due to temporary weather conditions suppressing street activity.

“When May and June came around, there were press conferences claiming crime is down,” Bowman said. “But anyone living here knew that snow and rain had simply delayed things. Now that summer is here, the problems are back in full force.”

He emphasized that the warmer months tend to correlate with increased criminal activity and claimed that the lack of consistent law enforcement contributes to a sense of lawlessness.

Police frustrations and systemic issues

Bowman further stated that many Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) officers feel restricted by city policies and reluctant to pursue arrests due to a perceived lack of follow-through from prosecutors and the courts.

“These officers have a heart for this city,” he said. “But they’re demoralized. Some don’t see a point in making arrests when they know the suspects will be released the next day.”

His concerns were echoed by retired CPD veteran Ken Kober, who spoke to Fox News Digital. Kober called the downtown assault “a savage attack” and expressed frustration that positive events in the city — including a Reds home game sweep and the Cincinnati Jazz Festival — were overshadowed by the violence.

“As a society, we cannot accept this,” Kober said. “We have judges who won’t hold people accountable, and when there are no consequences, this is what happens.”

He called on the judicial system to deliver maximum sentences to those involved. “It would be nice to see headlines six or eight months from now saying these people were convicted and sentenced appropriately,” Kober added.

Arrests made, more suspects sought

As of Monday, the Cincinnati Police Department confirmed that five individuals had been charged in connection with the attack. Their names have not yet been released. Authorities also stated that at least eight more suspects are being sought.

Chief Theetge emphasized that many witnesses recorded the assault on their phones but failed to take action. “Over 100 people saw this, and most chose to do nothing. That’s a cultural problem we need to address,” she said.

Police are continuing to investigate and are urging anyone with additional footage or information to contact the CPD at 513-352-3040 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Broader concerns about urban crime

Bowman’s critique fits into a broader national conversation about crime, policing, and urban safety. Many U.S. cities are grappling with the balance between reform-minded leadership and rising concerns about public safety.

Though some urban areas report declining crime statistics year over year, high-profile incidents like the Cincinnati beating fuel public perception that crime is worsening — particularly in downtown cores. Critics argue that certain progressive policies on bail, prosecution, and police oversight have contributed to an environment where accountability is lacking.

Supporters of reform counter that systemic issues — such as poverty, racial inequality, and lack of mental health resources — are at the heart of urban unrest, and that long-term solutions must go beyond policing.

The road to November

As the November mayoral election approaches, public safety is likely to become a central campaign issue in Cincinnati. Bowman is positioning himself as a candidate who will restore law and order, empower police, and enforce stricter accountability.

Meanwhile, Mayor Pureval and his administration have yet to publicly comment on the weekend incident in depth, though city officials are expected to address it in upcoming press briefings.

With national attention focused on Cincinnati, the debate over urban crime and leadership effectiveness shows no signs of slowing.

Sources:

• Fox News Digital interviews with Cory Bowman and Ken Kober
• Cincinnati Police Department press conference, July 28, 2025
• CPD public safety statements and updates