After the Reds’ season opener on Thursday, things took a chaotic turn outside the stadium, with large numbers of people spilling into the streets of downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati police reported incidents of “disorder and violence” as crowds gathered in the entertainment district, particularly in The Banks, a well-known area near Great American Ball Park. Traffic was blocked by a surge of people, intensifying the chaos.
Officers responded to multiple altercations and sometimes faced resistance from the crowd. They employed loudspeakers to urge the dispersal of the crowd and called in extra personnel to help restore order. While several people were arrested, information about the exact number and potential charges wasn’t immediately available. The Cincinnati Police Department has been contacted for further details.
Disruptions were reported in various locations throughout downtown, including Over-the-Rhine River, Fountain Square, and Washington Park. Thousands were in the area for the annual Commencement Day celebrations, which likely contributed to the large gatherings.
Mayor Aftab Purewal criticized the events, labeling the chaos as “an outrageous act” and stated that it was unacceptable. He expressed concern for the guests in the urban core, noting, “This is the type of action that will force us to consider and implement stricter crowd controls in our downtown area.” He acknowledged the swift response of the police and other law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the importance of keeping the community safe.
According to Captain Justin Bradbury, the situation led them to close a bridge for safety reasons, as they wanted to prevent any uninformed individuals from entering Cincinnati during the turmoil. Although Opening Day is typically one of the city’s biggest events, filled with parades and celebrations, officials reported that the situation was under control by late evening.
