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Federal Probe Opens as Cincinnati Arrests Climb in Viral Mob Brawl

Three of five suspects are held on assault charges as FBI and DOJ pursue hate crime and civil rights inquiries

Dekyra Vernon (L) and Montianez Merriweather (R) and Jermaine Matthews (inset).
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(R) Elon Musk looks on as U.S. President Donald Trump meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. (L) Vice President JD Vance visits Metallus in Canton, Ohio, on Monday, July 28, 2025.
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Overview

  • Three of the five individuals charged in the late-night Elm and Fourth Streets brawl have been arrested, leaving two suspects still at large on assault-related counts.
  • The FBI and Department of Justice have confirmed an open federal investigation into potential civil rights and hate crime violations, working closely with local police.
  • Chief Teresa Theetge criticized that only one bystander called 911 despite dozens recording the violence and warned that social media clips lack full context, hindering the probe.
  • The three arrestees are being held on bonds from $100,000 to $500,000, and police caution that additional participants identified in the videos will face charges.
  • Mayor Aftab Pureval and community leaders condemned the outbreak of violence during events that drew over 150,000 people downtown and have pledged to strengthen public safety measures.