Cincinnati Councillors Criticized After Controversial Facebook Comments

Cincinnati city councillors are facing backlash following their remarks on Facebook in response to a violent incident downtown last weekend.

A post by a user named Leohna Alia La Jcannon highlighted a brutal attack, allegedly prompting a comment from Councillor Victoria Parks stating, “They begged for that beatdown!” The comment, which included an expression of gratitude, has sparked outrage.

The Facebook account linked to Parks lists her as a city council member, and her past roles include serving as a Hamilton County commissioner and chief of staff for a county commissioner. Screenshots of the posts have circulated widely, causing significant public outcry.

Many comments have condemned Parks’ reaction, with some insisting she should resign: “Cincinnati Council’s Victoria Park must resign soon! I hate protecting violent criminals,” one user stated. Another called her “a racist pig.”

The violent episode occurred early Saturday morning at the intersection of Fourth and Elm streets, where a group was seen assaulting two individuals in a video that went viral online.

Parks’ official biography highlights her previous initiatives addressing racism as a public health crisis during her tenure with Hamilton County. Although she announced in January that she wouldn’t seek re-election, the current situation is drawing heavy scrutiny.

Ken Cober, president of the Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police, expressed discontent, stating, “It’s pointless for an elected official to celebrate violence in the very city she was voted for to serve.” As elections approach in November, he noted the opportunity for change.

Parks has not responded to requests for comment, and attempts to reach other city council members were unsuccessful. Mollie Lair, the communications director for the city manager’s office, declined to comment when approached about the situation at City Hall.