FBI and DOJ Confirm Investigation into Cincinnati Assault
Cincinnati – The FBI and the Justice Department have acknowledged an ongoing federal investigation related to a violent altercation in downtown Cincinnati that recently gained widespread attention.
“The FBI is working closely with the Cincinnati Police Department on this matter,” said a representative from the agency.
Justice Department officials also affirmed on Wednesday that the investigation is active.
Arrest of Third Suspect
In a development on Sunday night, Attorney General Assistant Hermet Dillon hinted at the possibility of federal hate crime charges being filed. “Our federal hate crime laws apply universally,” she noted. “We will monitor how local authorities address this situation.” Dillon emphasized that no one should fall victim to such violence and mentioned that if racial motivation is present, federal laws might come into play.
Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio has voiced his concerns about the incident, urging for a federal investigation. He expressed frustration over the local government’s response, questioning the mayor’s efforts to restore safety to the streets.
Details of the Attack
The assault unfolded early Saturday morning at the intersection of Elm Street in the downtown area. A video that circulated online depicted a group of individuals attacking two others, resulting in serious injuries.
As of Wednesday, three suspects have been arrested, with two others facing charges but not yet apprehended. Montianez Merriweather, 34, and Dekyra Vernon, 24, were arrested on Tuesday night and are charged with felony assault and participating in a riot. Merriweather’s bond is set at $500,000, while Vernon’s is $200,000.
The third suspect, Jermaine Matthews, was also arrested and faces similar charges. His bond is set at $100,000. Notably, Merriweather has past charges including stolen property and firearm violations.
Cincinnati Police Response
Cincinnati Police Commissioner Teresa Tegge addressed the incident during a public safety meeting. “This was a violent encounter,” she stated. “It’s upsetting to continuously see our city portrayed negatively in the media. We have the ability to do better.”
While the Cincinnati Police Department has not commented further, the community is now closely monitoring both the legal proceedings and the local government’s response to improving safety.
