The suspension of Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge marks a dramatic turn in a months-long controversy that has tested public trust, departmental credibility, and city leadership at the highest levels.
On Monday, Theetge was placed on paid administrative leave amid what officials are calling an internal investigation into her effectiveness as a leader—an action that comes after a summer of mounting tension, public scrutiny, and legal turmoil.
The tipping point for many came in July, when a disturbing video went viral showing a brutal brawl at the intersection of Elm and Fourth Streets in downtown Cincinnati. The footage, which quickly spread across social media, captured multiple men attacking a couple—at one point stomping a man on the ground, and later, a woman named Holly being punched so violently she lost consciousness and was left motionless in the street.
Rather than immediately condemning the violence and outlining a plan of action, Chief Theetge focused her initial response on criticizing how the video was being shared. She accused the public and journalists of taking the incident “out of context”—a comment that quickly backfired.
The backlash was swift and fierce. Many saw the statement as tone-deaf, deflective, and emblematic of a department out of touch with both its citizens and the realities on the ground.
By August, more allegations were surfacing—not just from the public, but from inside the department itself. Four former CPD officers filed a federal lawsuit accusing the city and Theetge of workplace discrimination against white males.
Their claims echo what their attorney, Zack Gottesman, described as a broader pattern of biased leadership decisions. The suit is one of several now pending, all painting a picture of dysfunction within the command structure.
And then came Holly’s own account. In an emotional interview, she alleged that police on scene after the brawl didn’t take her statement, ignored witnesses, and stood by idly. “They were leaning up against their police car with their arms crossed,” she said. Her words struck a chord with a public already skeptical about the city’s handling of crime downtown.
City Manager Sheryl Long’s statement accompanying Theetge’s leave was measured but clear: “The City continues to face serious public safety challenges that underscore the need for stability at the command level.” Assistant Chief Adam Hennie will step in as interim chief, with the stated goal of restoring both operational stability and public confidence.