Holly, the woman at the center of a brutal mob attack in downtown Cincinnati, has broken her silence, delivering an emotional on-camera message as she continues to recover from serious brain trauma sustained during the violent assault.
The attack, captured on video, occurred during a street brawl that also involved an unidentified male victim. Holly, a single mother, was beaten unconscious and has since gone into hiding due to threats made against her life.
“It’s been very, very hard, and I’m still recovering. I still have a very bad brain trauma,” Holly said through tears.
“You’ve just brought back faith in humanity… Thank you to everyone for all of the love and support. It’s definitely what’s keeping me going. God bless you all.”
Holly has been in hiding since the vicious mob attack in Cincinnati.
This is her first message on camera.
Through the tears: “I want to say thank you to everyone for all of the love and support. It’s definitely what’s keeping me going. And you have just brought back faith in… pic.twitter.com/VUw6jMG3CM
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 3, 2025
Fundraiser Surpasses $160,000
Political commentator Benny Johnson shared Holly’s first video statement on X after organizing an online fundraiser to support her. The campaign has already raised over $168,000 to assist with medical expenses, legal fees, and basic needs while Holly remains out of work.
The fundraiser describes her condition as including a severe concussion, hemorrhaging, and other physical injuries. Images released earlier this week showed severe facial bruising, swelling, and injuries to her neck and torso.
Fourth Arrest Made, Suspects Face Felony Charges
Police arrested Dominique Kittle, 37, on Friday, charging him with felonious assault and aggravated riot. His bond was set at $150,000, and his attorney claimed he suffers from paranoid schizophrenia.
Three other individuals were previously arrested:
Matthews was later hit with three additional charges, including two felonious assault counts. Detectives say Merriweather may have initiated the attack, labeling it a “coordinated assault.”
Defense Claims Racial Slurs Sparked Violence
New footage has emerged showing one of the men involved using a racial slur moments before the altercation. According to attorneys, the video—released by Matthews’ lawyer—captures one of the white individuals yelling:
“Get that little n*****.”
Attorneys representing the suspects argue that racial slurs and an alleged spitting incident contributed to escalating tensions, though authorities have not confirmed any justification for the violent response.
“It was not a Black, racist mob attacking people,” said defense attorney Brandon Fox.
“These were separate fights that were triggered by racial slurs that ultimately poured gasoline on the fire.”
Police Chief: “Nobody Called 911”
Cincinnati Police Chief Theresa Theetge expressed frustration with the public’s response, noting that no one called police during the incident.
“Nobody got us there as quickly as we could get there. They waited until they saw it on social media,” she said.
“That is unacceptable… People saw this. They were fighting in front of traffic.”
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under investigation, with public outrage continuing to grow online over both the brutality of the attack and the lack of immediate intervention by bystanders.
Holly’s story has resonated nationwide, with many calling for swift justice and greater accountability in what has become one of the most shocking public assaults in recent memory.
