Cincinnati police say they’re investigating a brutal street fight downtown after a video of the incident surfaced online late Friday night.
The footage, filmed near Elm and Fourth Streets, shows a man punching another and at least two people bloodied — including a woman who appears to be knocked out cold, Fox19 NOW reported. Authorities said they weren’t aware of the brawl until the video began circulating on social media. (RELATED: Video Emerges Of Bam Margera Throwing Punches In A Street Fight)
Cincinnati police know the identity of several suspects in the violent weekend attacks Downtown caught on viral video, the FOP leader says.
— FOX19 NOW (@FOX19) July 28, 2025
A witness told the outlet the brawl followed an earlier verbal dispute with a man who appeared drunk. He allegedly left, then returned about 15 minutes later with a group — some of whom reportedly made racial remarks. The witness said a few tried to defuse things before the violence broke out.
Police Chief Teresa Theetge called the incident “nothing short of cruel,” according to the outlet, and stressed it had no ties to the nearby Cincinnati Music Festival.
State Rep. Cecil Thomas said the footage was embarrassing and urged people to call 911 instead of filming. Councilman Mark Jeffreys called the assault “inhumane,” while Councilman Seth Walsh said the video could damage the downtown’s public image, the outlet reported. Fraternal Order of Police President Ken Kober also condemned the violence and the passivity of onlookers. (RELATED: Wild Video Shows Gargantuan Bison Coming To Blows In Massive Brawl)
Police are still reviewing footage and taking statements. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.