A Cincinnati councilwoman’s callous Facebook comment has ignited a firestorm of criticism. Fox News reported that Victoria Parks, a city council member, appeared to justify a brutal downtown assault captured in a viral video. Her words have left residents questioning her judgment and fitness for office.
A vicious attack unfolded early Saturday at Fourth and Elm streets, where a group savagely beat two victims, knocking a woman unconscious.
The incident, recorded and shared widely online, prompted Parks to comment, “They begged for that beat down!” on a Facebook post under the name Leohna Alia La JCannon.
Parks’ comment, paired with her claim of being “grateful for the whole story,” has fueled public outrage. The account linked to the remark lists her as a Cincinnati City Council member, matching her official city biography. Her cavalier tone seems to dismiss the victims’ suffering, raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.
The video’s graphic nature amplified the controversy, with screenshots of Parks’ comment circulating rapidly online.
Critics argue her words undermine public safety and condone violence in a city already grappling with crime concerns. It’s a baffling stance for an elected official sworn to serve all Cincinnatians.
Parks’ Facebook account details her tenure as a councilwoman and prior roles in Hamilton County government.
Her biography touts progressive achievements, like declaring racism a public health crisis and establishing Juneteenth as a paid county holiday. Yet, her recent comments clash sharply with this public service record.
Ohio State Rep. Phil Plummer didn’t mince words, demanding Parks’ immediate resignation. “Defending violent criminals who viciously beat innocent people is disgusting,” he posted on X, calling for hate crime charges against the attackers. His fiery rebuke reflects a growing sentiment that Parks’ judgment is fatally flawed.
The Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police President Ken Kober also weighed in, slamming Parks for “celebrating violence” in the city she serves.
“It’s unconscionable,” Kober told Fox News Digital, urging voters to demand change. His call highlights the frustration of law enforcement navigating an already tense environment.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with the assault, though one was controversially released on bail despite serious charges. The Department of Justice and the FBI are now investigating, signaling the attack’s severity. Parks’ apparent defense of the perpetrators only deepens the public’s distrust.
Online, the backlash has been swift and unforgiving, with one user branding Parks a “racist pig.” Another called her comments “insane,” demanding her resignation. These reactions, while harsh, underscore the betrayal felt by residents expecting leadership, not excuses, from their elected officials.
Parks has remained silent, ignoring requests for comment and leaving an emailed inquiry to the city council unanswered. A council representative deflected inquiries, directing questions back to Parks. This stonewalling only amplifies suspicions about her intentions and the “whole story” she referenced.
The city council, officially nonpartisan but fully endorsed by the local Democratic party, now faces scrutiny over Parks’ conduct. Her decision not to seek reelection, announced in January, suggests she may already be eyeing the exit. But for many, her departure can’t come soon enough.
Mollie Lair, communications director for the city manager’s office, viewed a screenshot of Parks’ comment at City Hall but declined to comment. This reticence from city officials leaves residents without answers. It’s a troubling pattern of avoidance when clarity is desperately needed.
Parks’ multiple Facebook accounts, one dormant since May and another since 2022, add to the confusion about her online presence.
The account tied to the controversial comment is unmistakably hers, verified by her listed job title and work history. Such carelessness on a public platform is a self-inflicted wound.
The assault’s victims, meanwhile, remain overshadowed by the political fallout. The video shows a woman knocked out cold, a stark reminder of the violence Parks appeared to dismiss. Her comments not only insult the victims but also erode trust in local governance.
Cincinnati deserves leaders who condemn violence unequivocally, not those who seem to cheer it on. Parks’ remarks, however misguided, have exposed a rift between progressive posturing and public safety priorities. As the DOJ and FBI dig deeper, the city awaits answers—and accountability.
