Cincinnati, OH — The Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 69 has delivered a stinging rebuke of Mayor Aftab Pureval, issuing a unanimous vote of no confidence following the fallout from the viral July 26 beatdown that captured national attention. Union representatives say the mayor’s actions—or lack thereof—have undermined public safety, police operations, and community trust.
Union Cites Leadership Failures
In a statement obtained by Fox News, the FOP declared:
“Tonight, the Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 69 unanimously voted no confidence in Mayor Aftab Pureval, citing a series of leadership failures over the past month that have undermined public safety, police operations, and community trust.”
FOP President Ken Kober criticized the mayor’s office for failing to support officers on the front lines. He added:
“This unanimous vote of no confidence is a clear message from our members that Mayor Pureval’s leadership has fallen short in supporting the men and women who protect this city every day. From political interference in law enforcement to neglecting the well-being of officers and the community, these failures demand accountability and change.”
Union representatives also highlighted the mayor’s delayed response to the July 26 incident. The brawl occurred early on a Saturday morning, yet Pureval remained on vacation in Vancouver for three days before addressing the situation.
“City Solicitor [Emily] Woerner and the Pureval administration’s blatant political meddling is the most egregious I’ve witnessed in my career,” Kober told Fox News Digital. “Overruling law enforcement and prosecutors for cheap political points is a disgraceful stain on our city, and those responsible should be utterly ashamed of themselves.”
Controversial Charges and Alleged Political Influence
Following the viral assault, Mayor Pureval allegedly instructed the city solicitor to charge a White victim of the attack, Alex Tchervinski, with disorderly conduct. According to reports, Tchervinski was struck 28 times in the head and robbed while attempting to protect his girlfriend and a friend, and only slapped back one of the attackers.
“Overruling law enforcement and prosecutors for cheap political points is a disgraceful stain on our city,” said Kober, referencing the handling of Tchervinski’s case.
Seven Suspects Charged in Connection With Assault
Authorities have charged seven individuals related to the incident:
- Patrick Rosemond, 38
- Jermaine Mathews, 39
- Montanez Merriweather, 34
- DeKyra Vernon, 24
- Dominique Kittle, 37
- Aisha Devaughn, 25
- Gregory Wright, 32
The first six face three counts of alleged felonious assault, three counts of assault, and two counts of aggravated rioting. Wright is charged with aggravated riot and aggravated robbery for allegedly taking a victim’s chain.
Separately, Merriweather faces federal charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm, while Mathews has been federally charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and operating a premises for narcotics trafficking.
Additional Leadership Concerns
The FOP also criticized Pureval for failing to properly condemn city contractor Iris Roley, accused of interfering in a separate police investigation earlier in August. The union maintains that such lapses erode trust between law enforcement and the community, highlighting a pattern of political interference and leadership shortcomings.
Mayor’s Office Responds
As of now, Mayor Pureval’s office has not issued an immediate comment regarding the no-confidence vote or the ongoing fallout from the viral attack.
What are your thoughts on the Cincinnati Police Union’s vote of no confidence? Share your thoughts in the comments.
