Cloudy
68
81
63
Today
81
63
Friday
84
64
Saturday
85
65
Latest Weathercast
Now
68
Fri
84
Sat
85
by David Winter, WKRC
TOPICS:
CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Religious leaders came together on Thursday in Cincinnati to call out what they see as injustice and the politicization of that now-infamous brawl that happened downtown in July.
A rabbi, an imam, and several pastors gathered at Fountain Square. They said they want those who have been charged to be treated equally, and they want politicians to stop using the incident to further their agendas. About 150 people crowded onto the square to support Cincinnati's clergy, who are demanding equal justice for those who've been charged in the fighting from July 26.
"If it was a riot that occurred that night, let the person who incited the riot also be charged with incitement of a riot and with incitement to violence. If it was disorderly conduct, let all be charged with disorderly conduct," said Danny Burridge with the Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cincinnati.
They say it's unfair the Caucasian man who's charged is facing 30 days in jail, while the seven African American defendants face 30 years in prison.
"The charges, although they have now been levied, can still be upgraded, and he can still be charged with inciting violence, aggravated riot, and felony assault," said Pastor Tracy Hunter with the Western Hills Brethren and Christ Church.
But they also say Republican politicians have come to Cincinnati, using the incident to advance their agendas, like Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
“I think it's really important that the focus of the public not just be on the police and the elected leaders but on the judiciary as well to have a just and a fair outcome to these absolutely deplorable events,” said Yost.
Many other Republicans have come to Cincinnati to voice their opinions about the Democrat-led city. But Republicans Local 12 spoke with on Thursday said it's not theater; it's necessary.
“Are the Republicans using this issue as a grandstanding opportunity in order to further their Republican agenda?” Local 12 asked Mike Odioso, (R)-Green Township.
Linda Matthews serves on the Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee. She's also running for Cincinnati City Council.
“I don't think that they overstepped their ground in reference to coming to this city to help us keep our city safe,” Matthews said. “I think they should accept the services that are being offered from our governor."
But the head of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church disagrees. He said sending National Guard troops to California and Washington, D.C., and calling Cincinnati a dangerous city, is simply people trying to politicize the incident for much more sinister reasons.
The religious leaders say they plan to meet next Tuesday to formulate a plan to mobilize their agenda moving forward.
