Two individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the vicious mob assault of a white man and woman in downtown Cincinnati early Saturday morning — an attack that gained national attention after footage of the incident went viral on social media.
Montianez Merriweather, 34, and Dekyra Vernon, 24, were both charged with felonious assault and aggravated riot, according to the Cincinnati Police Department. Three additional suspects have also been charged, with one expected to be arrested Tuesday night, Police Chief Teresa Theetge confirmed at a community meeting.
FBI Ordered to Investigate by Attorney General Bondi
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered the FBI to investigate the attack, signaling federal authorities may bring additional charges — including possible civil rights violations.
“This was a brutal and disturbing assault caught on video,” a DOJ spokesperson said Tuesday. “Attorney General Bondi is committed to ensuring justice is served.”
Suspect Was Already Out on Bond
Montianez Merriweather was out on bond at the time of the attack after being indicted July 10 for multiple charges, including:
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Receiving stolen property
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Weapons under disability
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Improper transportation of a firearm
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Carrying a concealed weapon
Despite his lengthy rap sheet, Judge William Mallory granted Merriweather a $4,000 bond at 10%, meaning he walked free after paying just $400, according to the Cincinnati FOP Queen City Lodge No. 69.
Brutal Attack Caught on Video
The viral footage — originally posted by Cory Bowman, Republican mayoral candidate and half-brother of Vice President J.D. Vance — shows a white man being beaten unconscious by a large group of Black individuals. When a white woman approached to help, she was punched in the face, causing her head to slam onto the pavement. Blood was seen pouring from her mouth as she lay unconscious.
No National Media Coverage Until Outrage Grew
Critics blasted national media outlets for initially ignoring the story despite its graphic violence and racial dynamics. Conservative voices on X (formerly Twitter) noted the double standard in coverage.
“A white couple was brutally beaten… 0 national coverage,” wrote one popular account.
Community Tensions Rising
At a community meeting Tuesday night, Chief Theetge confirmed that at least five people have been charged, and more arrests are likely.
“We are actively working to identify everyone involved in this cowardly attack,” Theetge said.“No one will escape justice.”
Victim Speaks Out: No Help from Politicians
The female victim, Holly, a single working mother, told Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy that no local or state officials — Republican or Democrat — had reached out following the attack. Only one detective had contacted her, she said.
“It’s unconscionable,” Ramaswamy wrote. “Our leaders are MIA while mobs take over our cities.”
