Following the widespread sharing of a violent downtown Cincinnati attack, the FBI and the DOJ have confirmed an open federal investigation into the incident, which has shocked the nation. The incident, captured on video and circulating online, has prompted calls for action from local officials and federal authorities. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon has indicated that federal hate crime laws may apply if race was a factor in the attack, emphasizing that ‘nobody in our great nation should be the victim of such a crime.’
Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, strongly criticized the city’s mayor, Aftab Pureval, for his perceived lack of action in addressing the violence. Moreno stated, ‘The do-nothing, extreme liberal Mayor… won’t lift a finger to protect his streets and restore order, so it’s time to bring in professionals who will.’ Attorney General Pam Bondi thanked Moreno for connecting the DOJ with one of the victims, highlighting his ‘caring so much.’ The incident took place on the corner of Fourth and Elm Street in Cincinnati’s downtown business district, with video footage of the confrontation showing a group of people violently assaulting two individuals, including a woman being knocked unconscious in the street.