The Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has overwhelmingly voted to express no confidence in Mayor Aftab Pureval, citing a series of leadership failures that have undermined public safety and community trust. The decision follows the fallout from a viral beatdown incident that occurred on July 26, which sparked nationwide attention and criticism of local leadership.
According to the FOP’s Monday night statement, the mayor’s delayed response to the incident—particularly his absence from the city during the three-day period following the assault—has been a major point of contention. The FOP criticized the mayor for failing to act swiftly to address the crisis, with leaders arguing that his inaction has jeopardized both the safety of the community and the effectiveness of law enforcement operations.
Additionally, the union expressed concerns over the city solicitor’s decision to charge a White victim of the assault with disorderly conduct, which the FOP accused of being a politically motivated move rather than a fair legal judgment. The victim, Alex Tchervinski, was seen in the viral footage slapping one of the perpetrators, but his attorney argued that he was the victim of a brutal attack and was defending himself and his friends during the melee.
The FOP’s opposition to the mayor’s handling of the incident was further compounded by the failure to properly address the actions of city contractor Iris Roley, who was accused of interfering with a separate police investigation earlier this month. The union’s call for accountability reflects growing tensions between local leaders and law enforcement, as well as the broader implications of political interference in justice processes.
In the wake of the incident, seven suspects have been charged in connection with the assault. Six of them face multiple charges of felonious assault and aggravated rioting, while the seventh suspect, Gregory Wright, is charged with aggravated robbery. The case has also led to federal charges against two of the suspects, highlighting the severity of the incident and its potential long-term implications for local and national law enforcement practices.