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CINCINNATI – Residents of Cincinnati are speaking out about a violent incident that occurred downtown on July 26. While some acknowledge that violent crime is an issue, they emphasize that this incident does not define their city.
According to Josh Pels, a bartender in downtown Cincinnati, there has been an increase in violent crime in the area over the past six months. He mentioned that the Over-the-Rhine area typically experiences more crime than other parts of the city.
In a video that went viral, a group of individuals can be seen attacking two victims, one of whom suffered severe brain trauma. The altercation took place in the early hours of July 26 outside a popular nightclub at the corner of Fourth and Elm Street.
The victim of the Cincinnati brawl, known as Holly, suffered brain trauma during the altercation. (Tricia Mackie / Fox 19 on X; X/@Anthea06274890)
Another video angle of the fight captured a victim being assaulted in the middle of the street, with racial slurs being yelled. Some reports suggest that the male victim had slapped one of the attackers prior to the brawl, triggering the violent incident.
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge stated in a press conference that there are a total of six victims involved in the incident. Six individuals have been charged, with four already arrested. Law enforcement is currently searching for the two remaining suspects.
Corey Mitchell, another Cincinnati resident, expressed that such incidents are not common in the city. He believes that the altercation was a result of actions and reactions, rather than a reflection of the city’s overall character.
Cincinnati resident Corey Mitchell asserts that the viral beatdown does not represent the city. (Julia Bonavita/Fox News Digital)
Robert Brown, a long-time resident of Cincinnati, echoed similar sentiments, mentioning that the city experiences fewer fights compared to other urban areas. He believes that social media played a role in amplifying the incident and putting the city in a negative spotlight.
He also noted that while the initial slap by the victim may have instigated the altercation, the subsequent violence was unwarranted and excessive.
Cincinnati resident Robert Brown suggests that fights like the one in Cincinnati are common in every city. (Julia Bonavita/Fox News Digital)
Shirley Blair, another resident, shared her shock upon witnessing the fight and expressed concerns about the potential escalation of violence. She hopes that dialogue and communication can prevent further conflicts from arising.
The location outside a local nightclub in Cincinnati where the brawl took place on July 28, 2025. (Fox News Digital)
Local authorities, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, are actively investigating the circumstances leading up to the fight. Mayor Aftab Pureval has assured that all individuals involved will face consequences as the investigation progresses.
The article also mentions specific individuals who have been arrested and charged in connection with the brawl, highlighting the legal actions being taken against them.
Montianez Merriweather and Dekyra Vernon, arrested in connection to the Cincinnati brawl. (Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)
Overall, the residents of Cincinnati are hoping for a peaceful resolution to the incident and a reduction in violent altercations in their community.
Contributions to this report by Rachel Wolf.
In a surprising turn of events, a new study has found that coffee drinkers may live longer than non-coffee drinkers. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, analyzed data from over 500,000 people in the UK and found that those who drank two to three cups of coffee a day had a lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers.
The researchers found that coffee drinkers were less likely to die from various diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and liver disease. This adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that moderate coffee consumption may have health benefits.
While the exact reasons for the link between coffee and longevity are still unclear, the researchers believe that coffee’s high levels of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds may play a role.
So, if you’re a coffee lover, this study may come as good news. Just remember to enjoy your coffee in moderation and avoid adding too much sugar or cream to keep it healthy. Cheers to a longer life with your favorite cup of joe!
