Councilmember Victoria Parks has resigned from her seat on the Hamilton County Veterans Services Commission. The moves comes weeks following a controversial comment that sparked backlash.

The resignation, dated Aug. 12, announced she was resigning immediately.

“I appreciate your appointment and am proud of the work the Commission has accomplished to improve services and supports to our Veterans,” Parks said in her letter of resignation to Commissioner Denise Driehaus.

According to its website, the Veterans Service Commission of Hamilton County serves veterans and their families living within Hamilton County, Ohio, by connecting them with federal, state, and local services and resources, including financial assistance, transportation, and VA claims and benefits.

Parks’ resignation comes amid backlash for her comment made in the aftermath of a violent brawl in downtown Cincinnati late last month.

The incident unfolded on West Fourth and Elm streets downtown early on July 26. Videos showing parts of the brawl started circulating online that morning. Cincinnati police say the incident began as a verbal altercation that quickly turned physical.

Six people have been charged in the fight so far, with five of the suspects appearing in court on new indictments Thursday. A seventh person has been charged, caught on camera stealing a gold chain from a victim being beaten during the chaos.

The incident has generated controversy on social media, including from members of Cincinnati city leadership.

Parks, who also served as Cincinnati city council President Pro Tem, commented on a Facebook video of the fight, saying “They begged for that beat down! I am grateful for the whole story.”

The comment from Parks was followed by dozens of responses identifying her as a city council member.

WLWT reached out to Parks, who confirmed that she did post the comment and that she stands by her statement. She previously said she is not seeking reelection for city council.

WLWT reached out to the rest of Cincinnati city council and other city leaders for a response to Parks’ comment and her stance on the violence.

Mayor Aftab Pureval condemned Park’s comments.

“I disagree with Victoria Parks’ comments. No one deserves to be a victim of violent crime,” Pureval said.

Councilmember Mark Jeffreys responded with a statement, saying, “The violence we have seen is unacceptable and inaction is not an option. While we let the investigation and law enforcement process play out, it is important that all elected officials and leaders in our community say clearly that anyone acting the way we saw in that video will not be tolerated in Cincinnati. Anything less than that from our leaders is a failure”

Councilmember Meeka Owens also responded to Parks’ remarks, saying, “Councilmember Parks has been a civil servant in Cincinnati for decades, and her service is deeply appreciated.

“However, making comments that inflame a violent incident is never acceptable. As I’ve said in previous statements to the media, one of the most critical responsibilities of elected officials is to communicate effectively, and I believe that endorsing violence is neither effective nor responsible.

“Additionally, the Cincinnati Police Department is still actively uncovering facts. I believe we should wait until all the facts are known before making statements regarding motives or provocations.

“The Councilmember is entitled to her opinion; however, it is not beneficial to the city nor the region when she advocates for violence as a means of retribution. As Councilmembers, we are entrusted to serve and protect the city we love. Violence of any kind is never the solution.

“The comments of one lame-duck member of Cincinnati City Council do not represent the opinions or perspectives of the Council as a whole, and certainly not mine.”

Councilmember Seth Walsh released a statement, saying there’s no justification for any violence.

“The violence we witnessed this weekend is unacceptable in our city and all of us must work to ensure it is never acceptable in Cincinnati. Councilmember Parks’ statement defending the actions of those involved in this weekend’s incident is deeply irresponsible and undermines the principles of public safety and community trust. As elected officials, we have a duty to lead with integrity, not to excuse harmful behavior. Cincinnati deserves leaders who condemn violence unequivocally and work to prevent it, not those who rationalize it,” Walsh said in a statement.

Vice Mayor Jan Michele Kearney released another statement in response as well.

“Let us be clear. We do not condone violence. We condemn the violent actions of the instigator(s) of the fight as well as the violent actions of those who responded to the provocation. Opportunists are trying to use this incident as a way to divide us – racially and politically — and cast our great City in a false and negative light. Every city has challenges, and we confront our challenges head on. We must stand together and work for justice, knowing that a united Cincinnati is strong and victorious,” Kearney said.

—WLWT