Rep. Thomas Issues Statement on Recent Police-Community Violence in Cincinnati

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) today issued the following statement in response to the tragic and closely linked deaths of 18-year-old Ryan Hinton and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Henderson:

“As a lifelong Cincinnatian, a father, and a former police officer, I am heartbroken by the events that have unfolded in our city over the past several days. We have lost two lives—each under tragic and deeply painful circumstances that underscore the immense challenges facing both our communities and law enforcement.

My deepest condolences go out to the families of Ryan Hinton and Deputy Larry Henderson. I cannot begin to imagine the grief and anguish both families are experiencing. Ryan was an 18-year-old young man whose life ended far too soon. Deputy Henderson was a respected public servant, loved by colleagues and community members alike.

I urge our community to remain calm as investigations proceed. It is vital that we allow the facts to come to light through a transparent, independent process. Justice must be fair, thorough, and unflinching.

I would also like to commend Chief Theetge and the Cincinnati Police Department for their timely decision to provide Ryan Hinton’s family with access to the body camera footage. That level of transparency, empathy, and open communication is critical in moments like this. It allowed a grieving family to begin receiving answers, and it reflects a law enforcement leadership committed to accountability and trust-building.

As someone who has spent decades building bridges between law enforcement and the communities they serve, I also know this moment calls for deep reflection. At the same time, we cannot allow grief to turn into retaliation or more violence. We are better than that. Cincinnati is hurting—but we are not broken. In unity, truth, and justice, we will find a way forward.”