CityBeat Intern Convicted Misdemeanor Roebling Bridge Protest Ohio

Lucas Griffith, a University of Cincinnati student and former CityBeat intern, was found guilty of one misdemeanor charge of failure to disperse related to a July protest on the Roebling Bridge but acquitted of disorderly conduct, obstructing an emergency responder, and obstructing a highway. The protest, organized partly by Ignite the Peace, involved hundreds demonstrating against ICE and calling for the release of Ayman Soliman, a former Cincinnati Children’s Hospital chaplain who was detained by ICE. Griffith was arrested while covering the protest as a journalist, a fact recognized by the ACLU of Kentucky, which represented him and described the verdict as a partial victory given the minimal fine imposed. The jury fined Griffith $50, with additional court costs bringing the total to $219, which he must pay or explain inability to pay by January 20. Fellow CityBeat journalist Madeline Fening, also arrested during the protest, has her trial rescheduled for January 13, 2026. Police reported that protesters obstructed traffic and refused orders to disperse, leading to 15 arrests during the event, which raised concerns over public safety and critical infrastructure obstruction.