Police Union Denounces Cincinnati Mayor Amid City Turmoil

The Cincinnati Police Officers’ Union has voiced strong criticism of Mayor Aftab Pureval, following widespread dissatisfaction over his handling of recent city crises, including the viral July 26 downtown brawl. The union unanimously passed a vote of no confidence, citing leadership failures that they argue have compromised community safety and police morale.

Union President Ken Kober condemned what he described as political interference and neglect by the mayor, emphasizing that officers feel unsupported and that their concerns are being disregarded. The union highlighted that the mayor delayed his response for several days after the brawl, which occurred early on a Saturday morning. During his absence, the mayor remained on vacation in Vancouver.

Controversy intensified when city officials ordered charges against a white victim of the attack, Alex Tchervinski, seemingly to ease racial tensions amid community protests. Tchervinski, who was recorded intervening during the melee, was charged with disorderly conduct, despite claims from his lawyer that he was assaulted multiple times while trying to defend others.

In the aftermath, authorities have charged seven individuals connected to the incident with various crimes, including felonious assault and rioting. Notably, six suspects face multiple assault charges, while Gregory Wright faces counts related to robbery and rioting. Some of these suspects are also facing federal charges, such as Merriweather, who is accused of possessing a firearm illegally, and Mathews, charged with drug trafficking conspiracy.

The union also criticized the mayor for not adequately condemning actions by city contractor Iris Roley, who is accused of meddling in an ongoing police investigation. Kober condemned the political meddling, calling it a stain on the city’s integrity.