Cincinnati White Victim Faces Disorderly Conduct Charge After Viral Mob Attack

A 45-year-old white man who was brutally beaten in a July 26 Cincinnati mob attack has been charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct for allegedly slapping a black male just before the melee erupted. The man, whose identity is protected under Marsy’s Law due to his victim status, was ordered to appear in Hamilton County Municipal Court. Videos show the man being repeatedly stomped and punched by a group, while the slap appeared to escalate the confrontation. Seven other suspects have been charged with more serious offenses including aggravated riot, robbery, and felonious assault. The decision to charge the victim has sparked controversy and criticism from local police union leaders and community groups, who question the fairness and political motivations behind the charge, especially given the disparity in charges compared to the others involved. Cincinnati officials and black community leaders have expressed differing views on the case, with some demanding accountability for the initial slap and others warning against perceived unequal justice.