Rep. Cecil Thomas Responds to Sen. Moreno's Comments Following Cincinnati Incident

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) today issued a statement in response to comments made by U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno (R- Ohio)  regarding the recent incident in Cincinnati.

“I am deeply disappointed in Senator Moreno’s choice to exploit a tragic event for political gain. In a moment that demands leadership, unity, and compassion, he has instead chosen division, threats, and blame. Threatening to withhold federal funds from Cincinnati in the wake of an isolated street brawl that was initiated by a person from another country is not only irresponsible- it’s dangerous. It puts the lives of the police and the community at greater risk of harm.” said Rep. Thomas. “This is a time for collaboration, not condemnation. Our mayor and the administration are working tirelessly to desecrate and reel in the false narrative that our city is unsafe. This isolated incident doesn’t define Cincinnati. Cincinnati is a resilient city, and we will not be distracted by those who seek to divide us. We need leaders who rise above politics and put people first. Senator Moreno’s rhetoric is not leadership—it’s opportunism. Cincinnati deserves better. The victims deserve better. Ohio deserves better.”