Senator Moreno Threatens Cincinnati with Funding Cut

Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) has warned Cincinnati officials that unless they create a civil rights protection plan within 30 days, he will urge federal agencies to suspend all federal funding to the city. This follows a widely publicized street brawl that resulted in injuries and sparked criticism of city leadership and their response. Moreno specifically targeted local leaders for their handling of the incident and for making comments that allegedly blamed victims. Authorities have charged five people in connection with the brawl, but only two have been arrested, and the motivations behind the violence, including any racial elements, are still under investigation. The Department of Justice has pledged to enforce federal hate crime laws, though no race-related charges have been filed. The possible suspension of federal funds could have a significant impact on Cincinnati, but Moreno has not yet specified what the proposed plan must include.