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CINCINNATI – A contender for the mayorship of Cincinnati criticized the city’s leadership on Monday after a well-publicized altercation in downtown Cincinnati that has made headlines nationwide.
“People have lost faith in calling 911,” remarked Cory Bowman, who is not only a candidate for city mayor but also Vice President JD Vance’s half-brother.
Bowman finished second in a nonpartisan primary race in May. He will be facing off against incumbent Mayor Aftab Pureval in November. His comments about citizens hesitating to call 911 came in response to Police Chief Teresa Theetge’s revelation that only one person contacted the police during the attack.
“It is unacceptable that people did not reach out to the police,” she stated at a press conference on Monday. “There was heavy traffic. Numerous individuals witnessed the incident. They were brawling in front of oncoming traffic. Why did no one call us?”
Bowman expressed his lack of surprise at the events that unfolded early Saturday morning, as he believes the current city leadership has restricted the police force. The incident occurred at the intersection of Fourth and Elm Street outside a nightclub in Cincinnati’s downtown business district.
A fight erupted on Friday night in downtown Cincinnati, resulting in several injuries. (X/@Anthea06274890)
“There are two key aspects to this,” explained Bowman to Fox News Digital. “First, it serves as a wake-up call. We need to implement better policies and take immediate action to ensure the safety of residents and businesses in our communities. The rest of the nation is now witnessing what we in the city have long known to be true.”
Despite the potential damage to the city’s reputation caused by the viral incident, Bowman emphasized the importance of shedding light on the realities of urban life. He believes that the situation in Cincinnati is reflective of issues seen in urban areas across the country.
“It is crucial for the nation to see this, as multiple downtown areas in America are suffering due to failed policies that are destroying their cities,” he added. “Riots, fights, rising crime rates, and unenforced laws are all symptoms of this larger problem.”
Bowman revealed that crime typically spikes during the summer months in the city and has been steadily increasing overall, a fact that he claims the local government and media have downplayed.
A fight erupted on Friday night in downtown Cincinnati, resulting in several injuries. (X/@Anthea06274890)
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“As May and June approached, there were numerous press conferences and media statements claiming that crime rates were decreasing,” he remarked.
“However, residents living downtown knew that the rainy and snowy weather may have temporarily obscured the situation, but once the warm months arrived, the lack of law enforcement would lead to chaos in the city,” he continued.
Bowman stated that police officers have expressed their frustrations about being unable to carry out their duties and highlighted the understaffing issue within the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD).
“Many officers feel there is no point in apprehending criminals because there are prosecutors with a revolving door mentality, releasing offenders back onto the streets,” he explained.
“As a result, many officers choose not to arrest individuals, knowing they will likely be back on the streets the following week. They are dedicated to the city, but they are hindered by existing policies.”
Cincinnati mayoral candidate Cory Bowman speaks at a campaign event in March. (Cory Bowman via Facebook)
Ken Kober, a 25-year veteran of the Cincinnati Police Department, echoed Bowman’s concerns about the limitations placed on the police force and deemed the assault as something that society cannot tolerate.
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“This was a brutal attack on defenseless individuals. Seeing someone trying to protect themselves only to be pummeled by multiple assailants is truly appalling,” Kober stated.
Kober expressed disappointment that the positive events of the weekend, such as the Cincinnati Reds winning three home games and the iconic Cincinnati Jazz Festival, were overshadowed by the disturbing video of the incident.
He, too, held local officials responsible for the surge in crime rates.
“Our issue lies with judges who refuse to hold individuals accountable. When there are no consequences for unlawful actions, people will continue to engage in such incidents as witnessed on Saturday morning,” he concluded.
The corner of Fourth and Elm Street outside of LoVe, a local nightclub, where the beating took place, as seen on July 28, 2025, in Cincinnati. (Peter D’Abrosca/Fox News Digital)
“I hope that the judicial system ensures that these individuals face the full extent of the law. It would be reassuring to read headlines six or eight months from now announcing the convictions of those responsible, with maximum sentences handed down for their crimes.”
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On Monday afternoon, the CPD revealed that they had charged five individuals in connection with the incident. The names of the suspects were not disclosed.
Cincinnati Chief of Police Teresa Theetge mentioned that there were more than 100 witnesses to the assault, some of whom recorded the incident. However, only one call was made to 911.
According to police sources, efforts are underway to identify at least eight additional suspects.
Individuals with information are urged to contact the Cincinnati Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.
