Two people have been arrested in the vicious mob beating of a white man and woman in downtown Cincinnati early Saturday morning in a case that has drawn national attention after video of the attack went viral, with the FBI being ordered to investigate by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Montianez Merriweather, 34, who was out on bail for a July 10 indictment on multiple charges, and Dekyra Vernon 24, have each been charged with felonious assault and aggravated riot according to Cincinnati police. Three others have been charged, with one expected to be arrested Tuesday night, according to Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge at a community meeting Tuesday evening.
The charges were reported by WLWT-TV reporter Rachel Hirschheimer:
According to Cincinnati Police, 34-year-old Montianez Merriweather and 24-year-old Dekyra Vernon have been charged with Felonious Assault and Aggravated Riot
— Rachel Hirschheimer (@rhirschheimer) July 29, 2025
The viral video was originally posted on Saturday by Cory Bowman, half-brother of Vice President J.D. Vance and Republican candidate for Cincinnati mayor.
Hellbound and Down 