Cincinnati City Councilwoman Victoria Parks is facing significant backlash for controversial Facebook comments she made following a brutal downtown assault. The remarks, which suggest she supported the violence, have sparked public outrage and calls for her resignation. The incident has triggered an investigation by the DOJ and FBI. Parks, known for her advocacy for racial justice initiatives such as promoting Juneteenth as a paid holiday, is now facing criticism for her statements. The attack, which captured attention through a viral video, has prompted an investigation by the DOJ and FBI. Parks, who is known for her past advocacy for racial justice and had introduced Juneteenth as a paid holiday for employees in Hamilton County, is now facing criticism for her statements. Despite her prior contributions to community initiatives, the recent comments have sparked widespread condemnation from politicians and citizens alike. Parks did not respond to requests for comment, and the city council has yet to issue an official statement.
The events in question took place on the corner of Fourth and Elm Street in Cincinnati’s downtown business district during the early morning hours on Saturday. Video that has been widely shared online depicts a group of individuals savagely assaulting two others during a confrontation, with a woman being knocked out cold in the street. The attackers have since been identified and two have been arrested, though one was released on bail despite facing serious charges. The incident has sparked a debate over the nature of the attack and the potential for hate crimes. The DOJ and FBI are currently investigating the matter, looking into the circumstances of the attack and the identities of those involved. Meanwhile, the city is grappling with the broader issue of public safety and the role of elected officials in addressing such incidents. Parks, who did not run for reelection in January, has become a focal point of the controversy. Her comments, which were shared on social media, have drawn sharp criticism from both fellow politicians and members of the public. Some have called for her resignation, pointing out that her role as a public servant should not include endorsing violence. Others have argued that her comments may imply a more complex understanding of the incident, though the majority of responses have been negative.
The backlash against Parks has been widespread, with numerous posts on social media condemning her remarks. State Rep. Phil Plummer, who is also a Democrat, has called for her immediate resignation, stating that her comments are ‘outrageous.’ He also urged prosecutors to consider charging the attackers with hate crimes, emphasizing the need to protect public safety. Other critics have accused Parks of being a ‘racist pig,’ suggesting that her comments reveal a deeper bias. The controversy has also attracted attention from law enforcement, with the Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police President Ken Kober calling the situation ‘unconscionable.’ Kober has urged voters to support a change in leadership, as the city faces mounting challenges in maintaining safety and order. Despite the backlash, Parks has not yet responded to any requests for comment, and the city council has not issued an official statement on the matter. As the investigation continues, the incident has sparked a wider discussion about the responsibilities of public officials and the appropriate response to violence in public spaces. The outcome of this controversy may have significant implications for the city’s political landscape, particularly as elections approach in November.