Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) Chief Teresa Theetge, who scolded people for sharing a viral video of a massive downtown brawl, was placed on leave Monday amid an internal investigation, according to multiple reports.
In July, video footage circulated online capturing a massive brawl at Elm and Fourth Streets, which showed a group of people violently attacking a man and woman. According to WLWT5, a local affiliate of NBC, Theetge has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an “internal investigation on the effectiveness of her leadership in the Cincinnati Police Department,” with Assistant Chief Adam Hennie named interim chief.
“The City continues to face serious public safety challenges that underscore the need for stability at the command level. Therefore, I’ve named Assistant Chief Adam Hennie as Interim Police Chief,” City Manager Sheryl Long told the outlet. “Our focus remains on maintaining stability within the department and ensuring the highest standards of service to our residents. I have full confidence in Interim Chief Hennie and the department’s command staff to continue their dedicated work at this time.”
Following the incident, Theetge accused social media users and journalists of misrepresenting the viral footage, claiming it lacked “context.” The now former police chief received widespread backlash for the remarks and remained in the spotlight as four former Cincinnati Police Department officers sued the city for alleged workplace discrimination against white males.
According to local outlet WXIX, a Fox affiliate, the lawsuit alleges multiple instances of discrimination by the city and police department. The officers’ attorney, Zack Gottesman, also noted other ongoing lawsuits alleging similar claims.
The viral video showed the fight beginning with four men, one of whom was seen repeatedly being stomped. A woman, identified as Holly, was later seen being punched by a man, appearing to lose consciousness and left lying in the street.
In August, Holly told Fox News that CPD officers failed to take her name or statement after she was knocked out, and alleged police didn’t interview anyone at the scene. She claimed she saw officers “leaning up against their police car” with their “arms crossed.”
The CPD and Long did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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