Cincinnati police chief placed on leave after viral downtown brawl and leadership concerns
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa “Terri” Theetge has been placed on paid administrative leave, following a viral street brawl and increasing concerns about leadership stability and safety strategy in the city. The move came from City Manager Sheryl Long, who cited “the need for focused leadership during a critical period for public safety.”
In a formal statement, Long said the leave is part of a broader leadership review of the Cincinnati Police Department, stressing that it does not imply misconduct. Assistant Chief Adam Hennie will serve as interim chief during the review process.
A viral brawl and public outcry
Public attention turned sharply toward the department after videos of a chaotic late-night downtown fight began circulating online. The clips showed several attackers beating two people, including a woman who appeared to lose consciousness. Police later announced multiple arrests and said more charges were expected as investigators analyzed security footage and public tips.
The incident fueled anger over downtown safety, prompting debates at City Hall and on social media about officer presence, nightlife management, and response speed. Business owners and residents demanded visible action as national outlets picked up the story.
A department under scrutiny
Chief Theetge’s tenure was already under strain prior to the viral incident. Earlier this year, four senior officers filed a discrimination lawsuit against the city, claiming unfair promotion practices within the department. While officials declined to comment on ongoing litigation, it added tension inside headquarters.
Meanwhile, downtown crime spikes and complaints about weekend crowd control pressured the city to reassess police deployment. With those issues unresolved, City Manager Long’s decision to sideline Theetge signaled a deeper review of the department’s strategy and culture.
What the review will examine
The internal review will reportedly focus on four areas:
- Incident response: How quickly and effectively officers handled the downtown brawl.
- Command communication: Whether leadership channels functioned properly during the incident.
- Deployment strategy: Adequacy of weekend staffing and crowd-control planning.
- Community engagement: How the department communicated with residents after the event.
Interim Chief Hennie has pledged to maintain day-to-day operations and “stabilize community confidence” while the city completes its review.
City Hall and police reactions
Mayor Aftab Pureval and several council members backed Long’s decision, calling it a “necessary step for transparency and accountability.” Union representatives voiced support for the department’s rank-and-file but requested that the process be fair and fact-based.
“Our officers work under intense conditions,” one union spokesperson said. “This review should examine resource limits and not just leadership style.”
Theetge has retained legal counsel and has not commented publicly, though her team said she plans to address the media soon.
Public perception and bigger lessons
Across U.S. cities, law enforcement agencies are grappling with nightlife violence amplified by viral videos. Experts say perception often moves faster than facts: one clip of chaos can overshadow months of routine safety. Cincinnati now faces a challenge to rebuild trust while balancing firm enforcement with fair treatment.
Residents say they want clear communication, faster police presence in busy districts, and collaboration with local businesses. The city’s safety committee is expected to hold a public hearing next week to address citizen concerns and review progress on downtown patrol reforms.
What happens next
There is no public deadline for the review, but sources suggest a report could be presented within 60 days. If Theetge is cleared, she could return to duty. If the findings reveal gaps in leadership or policy, City Hall could extend the leave or initiate a formal replacement search.
In the meantime, Long has asked for weekly progress updates and data-driven recommendations for keeping crowds safe during weekends and holiday events.
For many in Cincinnati, the review is less about one chief and more about proving the city can manage its growth while ensuring everyone—residents, business owners, and visitors—feels secure downtown.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available from the Cincinnati City Manager’s office and the police department’s internal review.
