January 1, Cincinnati Police Chief Benched After Brawl Uproar

Wyatt’s Take

• Cincinnati’s police chief was put on leave after backlash over her response to a violent street fight.
• An internal investigation is looking at how she led the department.
• The interim chief is now working to restore stability for city residents.

Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge has been placed on paid leave after widespread criticism over her handling of a downtown brawl that was caught on video. The footage showed a man and woman being attacked at Elm and Fourth Streets.

Sheryl Long, the city manager, said, “The City continues to face serious public safety challenges that underscore the need for stability at the command level. Therefore, I’ve named Assistant Chief Adam Hennie as Interim Police Chief.” She also expressed confidence in Hennie and the command staff to keep serving residents well.

Theetge had scolded people online for sharing the video, claiming it didn’t show the whole story, which drew sharp criticism. Meanwhile, several former officers have filed lawsuits, claiming discrimination against white males within the department.

The viral video began with four men fighting, with one being stomped repeatedly. A woman named Holly was punched and knocked out, left lying in the street. She later told Fox News that police did not take her name or speak to witnesses, saying she saw officers standing by with arms crossed.

The city and department have not responded to requests for comment.

What do you think about leadership accountability in your community? Let us know your thoughts and stay tuned for more updates that impact everyday Americans.

Wyatt Matters

Strong, steady leadership in law enforcement is crucial to keeping our towns safe and holding people responsible. Folks across Middle America depend on fairness and stability from those at the top.

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