CINCINNATI (WKRC) – One of the most startling parts of the downtown brawl was the moment when a woman, now being identified as Holly, was knocked to the ground while attempting to break up a fight.
Holly, who suffered a concussion, had been out celebrating a friend’s birthday when the incident occurred, said Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno.
“When I saw the video, I thought that woman had died,” said Moreno. “You know, it’s heinous. It’s appalling.”
Moreno recounted that Holly’s evening began with dinner and music, but quickly turned dangerous.
“She told me, this is heartbreaking, this is the first night out that she’s had in she can’t remember when,” he said. “And look, she went to downtown thinking, I’m going to enjoy some music and some friends, a nice time and literally almost got killed, murdered.”
Holly, a mother of a special needs child, did not receive immediate medical attention.
“She went home in an Uber. Think about that for a second. There was no ambulance called,” said Moreno.
The search continued for the man who punched Holly. Police Chief Theresa Theetge announced charges against five individuals, with three arrests made and two suspects still at large.
Senator Moreno criticized Cincinnati leaders, threatening to suspend federal funding unless a plan was developed to enforce civil rights protections and law and order.
“City council has 30 days and the mayor has 30 days to put together a plan,” he said.
Cincinnati City Council Member Seth Walsh has reached out to Moreno for clarification on his demands.