Cincinnati NAACP Calls Out Flaws in Prosecutor’s Justification of Police-Involved Killing

The Cincinnati NAACP expresses profound disappointment towards Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich's concluding report, asserting that the fatal shooting of Ryan Hinton by a Cincinnati police officer was justified and lawful. Such a pivotal decision, made without the thorough examination offered by a grand jury, reflects a significant injustice. From the outset, we championed the call for an independent inquiry into the events leading to the shooting and proposed utilizing BCI for this purpose, which went unheeded. Our aim was to ensure the entire city comprehensively understands the circumstances surrounding Hinton's tragic death. The report fails to present crucial video evidence that could validate claims made by the officer regarding Hinton pointing his weapon. While acknowledging the difficult split-second choices officers must make, we question the absence of corroborative footage. Although the circumstances surrounding car theft are serious, they do not justify a lethal response. We urge the community to remain vigilant and pursue justice through existing legal avenues, including the ongoing Citizen Complaint Authority investigation.