Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy condemned a Cincinnati street brawl that garnered attention on social media over the weekend and used the altercation to bash public safety policies on the left in a Monday post on X.
In his post, Ramaswamy said that he had spoken to one of the women assaulted in the fight, whose first name he said was Holly.
“It’s unconscionable that there were no police present in that area of Cincinnati on a Friday night, or even an ambulance to take her to the hospital,” he wrote. “Hard-working Americans shouldn’t have to worry for their safety when they have a good time in our cities.”
The brawl, video of which quickly spread online, was also condemned by several high-profile politicians Monday, including Vice President JD Vance, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval. It occurred early Saturday morning in downtown Cincinnati.
Pureval said in a statement that he was “confident” arrests from the incident would be forthcoming. Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge said that the department has since identified and charged five people in connection with the brawl.
On X, Ramaswamy pledged that law enforcement would “have the green light to restore order—no apologies.”
“Leftists like to lecture about ‘systemic injustice’ while thugs turn our turn [sic] cities into war zones. I’m done with their excuses,” he wrote. “As governor, I’ll make sure they’re behind bars, not running wild.”
“Holly appreciates the kind words and prayers from patriots across the country, and hopes that the publicity around her story ensures that local & state leaders clean up our failing cities,” he added.
