CINCINNATI, OH — A Cincinnati man accused of taking part in a violent mob attack during a downtown music festival in late July is now facing new federal charges that could add more than a decade to his potential prison sentence.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday that 34-year-old Montanez Merriweather, who was already in custody on state charges related to the assault, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The gun charge alone carries a penalty of up to 15 years in federal prison.
Background: Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The case stems from a July 26, 2025, incident that drew widespread attention after cell phone footage circulated online showing a white man and woman being brutally beaten outside a Cincinnati music festival.
The video, which went viral within hours, depicts a chaotic scene: the man is thrown to the ground and repeatedly kicked and punched by a group of individuals. When he manages to get back on his feet, a woman who appeared to be with him is struck hard in the face by another attacker, collapsing immediately and lying motionless on the pavement.
The racial dynamics of the incident — a group of Black attackers assaulting two white victims — fueled a heated national conversation, with some critics describing it as a racially motivated mob attack. Local and federal officials, however, have emphasized the criminal nature of the violence without attributing motives.
State Charges Already Filed
Merriweather was arrested days after the assault and charged at the local level with felonious assault, assault, and aggravated riot. Prosecutors say he was one of the main aggressors in the attack and has a history of violent offenses.
If convicted on all counts in state court, Merriweather faces a maximum of nearly 30 years behind bars.
Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Merriweather remains held on those charges while awaiting trial. His bond has been set high given his prior record and the community outcry over the case.
Federal Charges Announced
The new federal indictment adds another layer of jeopardy. Prosecutors allege that Merriweather, who has prior felony convictions, was in possession of a firearm at the time of the attack. Under federal law, convicted felons are prohibited from owning or carrying guns.
“There is no place for violence in our communities,” U.S. Attorney Dominick Gerace II said in a press release. “Those who commit violent acts can expect to be scrutinized and they will be held accountable for violations of federal criminal law.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) played a central role in the investigation. Special Agent in Charge Thomas Greco emphasized that the agency would use every available resource to pursue violent offenders.
“Violence, in any form and under any circumstance, has no place in a civilized society,” Greco said. “When warranted, ATF, in close coordination with our law enforcement partners, will employ the full extent of our legal authority to identify, apprehend, and remove violent offenders from our communities.”
Public Reaction and Political Response
The attack has provoked intense public outrage, not only because of the brutality caught on camera but also because of the apparent randomness of the assault. The victims were reportedly leaving the music festival when they were surrounded.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine condemned the violence shortly after the video surfaced, calling it “an unacceptable breakdown of public order.” Local leaders in Cincinnati likewise urged calm and pledged swift justice, while community groups worried the racial framing of the incident online could further inflame tensions.
Civil rights advocates cautioned against turning the attack into a political wedge issue. “This was a vicious act of violence that must be punished,” said Tasha Green, director of the Ohio Justice and Equity Coalition. “But we should not allow opportunists to exploit it to divide communities further along racial lines.”
The Victims’ Condition
Authorities have not released the names of the victims for privacy reasons, but both are believed to have survived the attack. The man suffered multiple bruises and lacerations, while the woman was briefly hospitalized after losing consciousness from the blow to her face.
Family members have reportedly been cooperating with prosecutors but have declined media interviews.
A Pattern of Escalating Violence?
Court records show Merriweather has an extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for assault and weapons charges. Federal officials said this history was a major factor in pursuing the firearm indictment, as repeat violent offenders are often targeted for federal prosecution to ensure longer, mandatory sentences.
Legal analysts note that the dual prosecution — state charges for the assault and federal charges for the firearm — reflects a broader strategy often used by law enforcement when a case draws public outrage. “It allows prosecutors to hedge their bets,” said Professor Alan Ricks, a criminal law expert at the University of Cincinnati. “If something goes wrong in state court, they still have the federal charge to fall back on.”
Broader Implications for Cincinnati
The incident has added to concerns about violence in Cincinnati’s downtown entertainment districts. While city officials insist the area remains safe, critics argue that the viral nature of the attack harms the city’s reputation and raises questions about public safety at major events.
Local businesses near the festival site told reporters that they worry attendance will drop if visitors fear similar incidents. “We can’t afford for Cincinnati to be seen as unsafe,” said Lydia Ramirez, who owns a bar near Fountain Square. “The video was horrifying. That’s what people will remember when they think about coming downtown.”
Next Steps in the Case
Merriweather is currently scheduled to appear in state court next month for a preliminary hearing on the assault charges. A federal arraignment date has not yet been set, but legal experts expect the cases will move forward in parallel.
If convicted in both jurisdictions, Merriweather could face consecutive sentences that would keep him in prison for decades.
Prosecutors are also reportedly reviewing evidence to determine if additional suspects seen in the video can be charged. Several individuals have already been questioned, but Merriweather is the only one so far to face both state and federal indictments.
Conclusion
The Cincinnati mob attack case underscores the intersection of viral media, public outrage, and the criminal justice system. What began as a shocking video shared online has now grown into a high-profile prosecution with both local and federal authorities involved.
For Merriweather, the charges could mean the rest of his life behind bars. For the victims and the community, the case has become a litmus test for how swiftly and decisively authorities respond when violence erupts in public spaces.
“Justice must be served,” said U.S. Attorney Gerace. “And those who threaten the safety of our neighborhoods must be held accountable — no matter how long it takes or how many jurisdictions it requires.”