CAUTION: Article contains graphic descriptions and images.
A woman beaten by a mob in Cincinnati last week released photos Wednesday showing deep bruising and swelling to her face and chest.
The woman, who goes by the name Holly, gave approval for Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) to release photos of her injuries “so that others will never have to suffer what she did.”
“Cincinnati is an amazing and spectacular City. It deserves political leadership that matches the greatness of its citizens,” Moreno said in a post with the photos. “[Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval] issues a late/weak statement, Police Chief blames social media (not the lack of almost 200 officers), Prosecutor [Connie Pillich] lets off lowlifes with $400 bail, [Rep. Greg Landsman] silent & posting about Ukraine, City Council member blames the victim.”
The city council member Moreno referenced is Councilwoman Victoria Parks, who posted on Facebook, “They begged for that beat down! I am grateful for the whole story.” Parks posted the comment in response to one of the videos that captures portions of the attack.
“This is Holly. She wanted to have a nice evening out with friends. Instead, she got this. Holly gave me permission to release the photos so that others will never suffer what she did. We need and deserve change,” Moreno said.
Cincinnati is an amazing and spectacular City. It deserves political leadership that matches the greatness of its citizens.@AftabPureval issues a late/weak statement, Police Chief blames social media (not the lack of almost 200 officers), Prosecutor @ConniePillich lets off… pic.twitter.com/6BzfO48m4G
— Bernie Moreno (@berniemoreno) July 30, 2025
Holly was one of several people beaten late at night on Friday or early Saturday. The footage of Holly’s attack went viral online on Sunday. The roughly two-and-a-half-minute video shows a man being set upon by a mob of black people.
The man was thrashed and, after being helped to his feet, was escorted away. Holly can be seen stepping in front of a black man who appears to be yelling at the first victim. Holly is then mobbed from several angles. After being hit several times, another black man steps up, punches her in the face, and knocks her unconscious.
Throughout the attack, no police officers are visible in the video. Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge on Monday defended the police response while blaming downtown bars, bystanders, and journalists for making the situation worse.
“For us to have 100 or so people down there, involved in, and/or watching this event, recording with their cell phones, and for us to get only one phone call of this incident is unacceptable in this city,” Theetge said during a press conference. “One person did the right thing and called 911.”