Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge has been placed on paid administrative leave as city officials conduct an internal review of her leadership, according to multiple reports.
Assistant Chief Adam Hennie will step in as interim chief, tasked with ensuring continuity and stability within the department during the investigation.
The administrative action follows national attention over Theetge’s handling of a July downtown brawl involving a black mob that left a man and a woman, both white, seriously injured.
Video footage of the incident, recorded by bystanders, showed the woman—later identified as Holly—being attacked, sustaining brain trauma and extensive bruising.
Seven individuals have since been indicted on charges including felonious assault and aggravated riot.
City Manager Sheryl Long framed the move as necessary for steady leadership amid rising safety concerns.
“Our focus remains on ensuring the highest standards of service to residents while maintaining stability in the department,” Long said, according to The Daily Caller. “I have full confidence in Interim Chief Hennie and the command staff to continue their critical work at this time.”
Theetge has faced criticism for her response to the brawl.
She claimed social media and news coverage took the footage “out of context,” remarks widely viewed as minimizing the severity of the attack.
Critics have also questioned her qualifications for the role, suggesting her appointment may have been influenced by diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives rather than merit, labeling her a “DEI hire.”
Compounding scrutiny, four former Cincinnati Police Department officers have filed a lawsuit alleging discriminatory practices under Theetge’s leadership.
Capt. Robert Wilson and Lieutenants Patrick Caton, Gerald Hodges and Andrew Mitchell assert that white male officers were passed over for promotions and assignments while non-white and female colleagues were favored, regardless of seniority or experience.
The controversy comes amid a surge of violent incidents in downtown Cincinnati, including multiple people being shot, one killed inless than eight hours last week.
In response to the city’s escalating crime, Theetge advised residents to “learn how to behave.”
“These things sometimes start as a minor altercation and then evolve into something bigger,” she said. “So do not come downtown, especially on Fountain Square, if you don’t know how to behave.”
Her remarks sparked further public backlash and intensified criticism of her approach to community safety.
Theetge has retained employment attorney Stephen Imm, known for representing high-profile city officials, signaling her intent to challenge or respond to the administrative review.
In a statement, Imm claimed that Theetge is being used as a “political scapegoat” and “political pawn.” He stated that she was asked to resign last week but was put on leave when she refused.
“I’m afraid that they’re going to work very hard to see if they can’t dig up some dirt on this person that they’ve just removed from office without cause,” Imm said on Tuesday, according to WVXU. “I can’t speak to the city’s timeline.”
“I have no idea what their intentions are. I have no idea who is going to investigate. Chief Theetge has not been told anything about this supposed investigation.”
He also emphasized that Theetge is innocent of any “wrongdoing.”
“She is a dedicated public servant,” Imm continued. “She wants nothing more than to be a servant and lead the law enforcement division of the city of Cincinnati.”
Nonetheless, Mayor Aftab Pureval expressed support for the city manager’s decision, emphasizing confidence in interim leadership.
“I am confident that Interim Chief Hennie, our police force, and city administration will continue prioritizing the safety of our residents,” he said.
Experts say the situation underscores the growing gap between law enforcement leadership and the public’s demand for accountability.
The administrative leave offers the city a chance to assess the chief’s effectiveness, restore public confidence and reinforce competent leadership during a period of heightened scrutiny.
Observers warn that incidents like the downtown brawl, coupled with internal lawsuits and widespread criticism, emphasize the need for proven, experienced leadership to maintain public safety and uphold morale within the police department.
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