On Monday, in the aftermath of an assault in Cincinnati that’s drawn national attention, businessman and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy returned to his hometown for a townhall. He was joined by Chris Smitherman, former vice mayor and former head of the Cincinnati NAACP chapter.
Ramaswamy made clear that he was “not trying to rejudicate” what took place in the early hours of July 26. Rather, they were “there to talk about how to end an epidemic of violent crime.” And, as he reminded throughout, they were “there to start the conversation.”
Before taking questions, Ramaswamy spoke about one of the victims, Holly. He had even been criticized for doing so, despite how Holly had spoken about the lack of leaders in touch with her.
Ramaswamy pointed to how that lack of communication “shows out-of-touch leadership,” Democratic Mayor Aftab Pureval received widespread criticism after admitting during a press conference last Friday he had not been in touch with Holly, and dismissing concerns about the snub.
The Daily Signal reached out to the mayor’s office for comment.
The man who allegedly hit Holly has since been arrested.
Sarah Heringer, the widow of Patrick Heringer who was murdered June 4, also spoke, and likewise called out leadership.
She blamed her husband’s death on “how the city was run,” calling out how leaders “expect victims to go along,” and how their “refusal to own it is not leadership, but complicity.”
Heringer also called on leaders to show “accountability,” “courage,” and “truth” or be “replaced.”
“I’m not here to endorse anyone,” she said, “but I will say this: The leadership standing here today has acted far differently than the ones currently running this city.”
Participants in the town hall discussed the need for a “revival” and the immediate need to ensure Cincinnati had proper police to handle crime. Race also came up. The second question, from a man named Robert, had to do with concerns black people have faced.
In response, Ramaswamy, who had said there would be questions from those who disagreed, acknowledged that “we’re not perfect but at least we have ideals.” He also focused on the ability to forgive and “bring people together.”
Smitherman also responded, reminding throughout that Robert’s voice was needed. He not only spoke of Ohio’s role in freedom for black people, but made clear that they don’t want to “accept it or make excuses for the brutal attack, especially since violence is never okay.”
Smitherman called out Councilwoman Victoria Parks, the president pro tem, for social media posts claiming the victims deserved the assault. Parks has faced calls to resign, though she’s stood by her remarks. She is not running for reelection, though Smitherman made clear that that should not matter. Rather, “she needs to go,” adding how such leadership is not helpful for their city.
The Daily Signal reached out to Parks’ office for comment.
Robert was not the only black attendee to speak about race. Another man, sporting a “Make America Great Again” hat, made clear that he did not agree with the older gentleman, and criticized the Democratic Party, specifically former President Lyndon B. Johnson and his role in making black families dependent on the government.
This started a conversation on government dependency as well as the need to strengthen and “restore” the family.
Economic concerns also came up. One attendee from Dayton warned of “a snowball effect” and “economic tsunami” if people do not feel safe in the area.
Smitherman responded by again calling out leadership, especially those who he said “blame everyone except themselves,” adding “it will take courage to elect the right people.”
Others in attendance included Cory Bowman, who’s running for mayor as a Republican, as well as Alex Triantafilou, chairman of the Ohio Republican Party.
“Vivek’s town hall felt personal—it was a real exchange with the people of Cincinnati,” said Triantafilou in a statement for The Daily Signal. “Across all 88 counties, he’s earning trust by showing up and speaking our values.”
Ramaswamy spoke to how he had “candid” conversations with Pureval and Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge.
According to Ramaswamy, the proposals discussed included keeping offenders in prison, opening psychiatric centers, allowing police to do their job, having more officers, increasing punishments, and celebrating rather than villainizing police officers.
The role of police was mentioned throughout, as Smitherman condemned the idea of defunding the police as “nonsense.” He also insisted that black residents want police presence, but for police to show respect.
The event attracted counter-protesters outside, as local media outlets including WLWT 5 and WKRC, profiled. Those gathered insisted they felt safe in Cincinnati and their city was “united against racism!”
In contrast, one local resident speaking during the town hall pointed out how she is considering moving, something Ramaswamy would not blame her for, though he promised accountability if he is elected next year.
To close, Ramaswamy spoke of how he was “proud” of Cincinnati and even suggested other town halls take place throughout Ohio.
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