Cincinnati leaders are reportedly calling on members of the local government to bring charges against a White man seen slapping a Black man during a viral confrontation that left six injured and led to seven arrests in late-July. 

In a public discussion hosted by Ohio State Rep. Cecil Thomas on Monday, community members met to discuss concerns over the city’s handling of the investigation into the fight, WLWT reported. 

“The video speaks for itself,” Thomas said, according to the outlet. “The method by which this situation has been handled raises serious questions as to whether there is bias involved in this investigation. It also brings into question the lack of integrity and whether there is something else to hide.”

The corner of Fourth and Elm Street outside of LoVe, a local nightclub, where the beating took place, as seen on July 28, 2025, in Cincinnati. (Peter D’Abrosca/Fox News Digital)

All seven suspects are Black, sparking questions from local leaders about the investigation and why the White man has not been charged. 

“Our community is restless, and they’re watching,” Pastor Leslie Jones said, according to WLWT. “Since you don’t think young people vote, old folks do. And they have told me they know how to vote, they know how to answer. If you don’t prosecute this gentleman – and we’re not talking about – we’re demanding prosecution in the next 24 hours.”

Additionally, Cincinnati mayor Aftab Pureval told WLWT that any decisions regarding additional charges will be “made as soon as possible.” 

“I agree with everyone’s frustration,” Pureval said, according to the outlet. “I have been clear about my expectations that, in order to preserve both public safety and fairness, anyone involved in perpetrating the violence should be charged. Until all participants are held accountable, justice hasn’t been fully served. And I’m grateful that community leaders and residents are continuing to come together to make their expectations clear.”

The mayor’s office and Rep. Thomas did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.