Cincinnati Man Who Lost Eye in Random Assault Speaks Out as City Confronts Rising Violence

CINCINNATI — In a city that has seen its share of hardship, a recent wave of random violence has reignited fears about public safety, and one man’s tragic story has become a symbol of a larger crisis. James Holloway, 37, lost his left eye in a savage, unprovoked attack while walking home from work nearly a year ago. The case remains unsolved, but in light of a recent viral video showing another brutal assault on a city sidewalk, Holloway is speaking out—issuing a grim warning: “Crime is out of control.”

The video, which surfaced last week, shows a young man being beaten unconscious by a group of unidentified individuals in broad daylight. The clip quickly gained traction online, sparking outrage across social media and prompting renewed calls for accountability from both city leaders and law enforcement. For Holloway, it brought back harrowing memories.

“That video is exactly what happened to me,” he said. “Except mine didn’t get caught on camera. I was walking home, minding my business, and the next thing I knew, I was on the ground with my face shattered.”

Doctors later confirmed that the force of the attack detached his retina and caused irreparable damage to the optic nerve. Holloway now wears a prosthetic eye and attends weekly therapy sessions to manage PTSD. “It’s not just the injury,” he explained. “It’s the fear. The not knowing who did it, or why. And now seeing it happen again—it’s like being attacked all over.”

His story, while devastating, is no longer uncommon in Cincinnati. According to the city’s police department, reports of random assaults have risen 18% over the past 12 months. These include attacks without known motive or prior connection between victim and assailant. Police cite a range of possible causes, from increased mental health crises to lack of adequate community intervention programs.

In response to public pressure following the viral assault, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval addressed the growing concern in a press briefing. “These acts of violence are unacceptable,” he said. “We are working closely with law enforcement and community partners to not only find those responsible, but to address the deeper issues driving this disturbing trend.”

But for victims like Holloway, words are not enough. He has become increasingly vocal, attending city council meetings and organizing with other assault victims to advocate for better street lighting, expanded surveillance in high-crime neighborhoods, and more mental health outreach. “We can’t keep pretending this is normal,” he said. “People are getting hurt, lives are being destroyed, and for what?”

Some residents agree. Marlene Simmons, a school teacher who lives two blocks from the location of the latest viral assault, says she no longer walks to work. “I used to feel safe here. I grew up here,” she said. “But now? I carry pepper spray just to check my mailbox.”

Community leaders are calling for a multipronged approach—one that goes beyond policing. “This isn’t just a criminal justice issue,” said Rev. Thomas Kelly, a longtime activist in Cincinnati’s West End. “We need to look at education, unemployment, access to health services. Violence like this doesn’t just appear—it grows where there’s desperation.”

As for Holloway, he’s determined to turn his pain into action. Though the identity of his attacker remains unknown, he hopes that by sharing his story, others will be more vigilant—and that the city will feel more urgency to respond. “If I could speak to the person who did this to me,” he said, pausing, “I’d ask them: Why? Why me? And what did you gain?”

His voice cracks slightly, but his resolve is steady. “I may have lost my eye, but I haven’t lost my voice. And I won’t stop until Cincinnati is a place where people don’t have to live in fear just for walking home.”

As investigations continue and new victims come forward, Holloway’s plea echoes throughout a city that must now reckon with the painful question: How do you stop violence when the faces behind it remain in the shadows?