The FBI has taken over portions of the investigation into a brutal mob attack that unfolded in downtown Cincinnati late Saturday night. The inquiry escalated after striking video footage surfaced showing a man being thrown to the ground and violently beaten, followed by a separate assault on a woman who attempted to intervene. The woman was punched and knocked unconscious.
Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the bureau to become involved, and federal investigators have already begun interviewing suspects in connection with the incident. Vice President J.D. Vance and other Trump administration officials condemned the attack, calling for full prosecution of those responsible.
Police Chief Theresa Theetge described the behavior as “cruel and absolutely unacceptable,” and confirmed the city’s investigative team is working to identify every individual shown in the viral video. She emphasized the assault did not stem from the Cincinnati Music Festival.
The head of the Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police, Ken Kober, slammed bystanders who recorded the attack instead of intervening or calling authorities. He expressed faith that local investigators will arrest the perpetrators, and that courts will ensure accountability.
At least five individuals have been charged in connection with the attack, though more arrests are expected as investigations proceed. Charges have not been formally disclosed by authorities. Vice President Vance remarked: “A mob of lawless thugs beating up an innocent person … they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
State Republican hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy stated that no local or state officials had reached out to one of the victims, identified as Holly—a single mother—aside from a lone police detective. He called the institutional silence “unconscionable.”
Local political leaders are demanding more transparency and action. GOP candidate Cory Bowman blamed city leadership for the failure to prevent or adequately respond to the violence. State Rep. Cecil Thomas called for all involved to face prosecution and urged those with footage to come forward.
