A weekend scuffle in downtown Cincinnati quickly turned into a public relations nightmare when a longtime city council member’s reaction sparked outrage.
Social media ignited after Councilwoman Victoria Parks appeared to approve of the violence—bringing more attention than the brawl itself.
Councilwoman Praises Brutality in Post-Brawl Facebook Comment
Council President Pro Tem Victoria Parks, 67, posted on Facebook about a viral downtown street fight involving a white couple and large group.
Her message—“They begged for that beat down! I am grateful for the whole story”—set off a storm online.
Many commenters questioned how someone elected to public office could react so callously.
Police Say the Melee Was Not Politically Motivated
Officials have made clear the fight was not tied to Parks’s work as a council member.
Instead, they describe it as a spontaneous, large-scale brawl involving bystanders.
Footage shows at least 100 people watching, but only one person called 911, something police found shocking.
Arrests Made—More Possible as Investigation Continues
Jermaine Matthews (39), Montianez Merriweather (34), and Dekyra Vernon (24) have been arrested in connection with the incident. Warrants have also been issued for two others.
Police expect more charges could follow, warning that “anyone who put their hands on another individual” will face consequences.
Councilwoman Faces Calls for Resignation as Retirement Looms
Parks has been asked to resign across social platforms, but she’s previously stated she plans to retire at year-end.
She has served on Cincinnati City Council since 2022 and formerly held a seat on the Hamilton County Commission.
Earlier mandates she led include declaring racism a public health crisis and proposing to ban Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot—both controversial efforts.
Police Warn Social Media Distortions Are Hampering Their Work
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge pushed back against simplified accounts shared online, saying they only show one version of an evolving story.
Her department called for accurate, complete coverage to help investigations rather than hinder them.
Political Voices Join the Conversation on Public Safety
Ohio leaders commented directly. Gubernatorial hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy spoke to the woman seen being attacked, describing her as a working single mom.
Vice President J.D. Vance demanded harsher consequences, calling for the perpetrators to be jailed to restore safety in American cities.
Graphic Video Reveals Shocking Details of the Melee
Footage of the violence shows a man in a white shirt brutally beaten—stepped on while lying in the street.
When he tried to rise, he collapsed. The woman who tried to help was struck, bleeding profusely, and knocked unconscious. The couple remain unnamed at present.
Parks’s comment stunned many who expected public officials to de-escalate conflict—not celebrate violence.
Despite remaining silent after the backlash, her previous statements on race and politics have shown she’s no stranger to public scrutiny.
Cincinnati Left Grappling with Violence and Leadership
This incident has not only brought attention to street violence and public safety but also raised questions about responsible leadership.
As investigations continue, both local authorities and residents are demanding accountability and clarity—not only for those physically involved, but for public officials who comment on such troubling events.