Police brief committee on Riverfront Live mass shooting; federal partners, but many details withheld

Lieutenant Colonel Bridget Bardua, bureau commander of the criminal investigation section, told the Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee that arrests have been made in the Riverfront Live mass shooting but many investigative details are being withheld to protect court proceedings.

"They worked tirelessly from the minute they got the call, straight through till there was a successful conclusion, that being the arrest of the subject that fired the shots," Bardua said, praising detectives, the Fugitive Apprehension Unit and federal partners.

The briefing, given to the committee by Bardua and Captain Jennifer Mitch, emphasized a rapid, multiagency response. Bardua said the FBI and ATF were "very instrumental" in the case, citing the ATFs assistance with shell casing processing and an offered $5,000 reward to generate tips. "They are a force multiplier for us," she said, noting long‑standing partnerships with federal agencies.

Committee members pressed for details about venue security and the weapons used. Mark Jeffries asked whether security measures (detail officers outside, private security inside, pat‑downs) had gaps that allowed guns to enter; Bardua said general security improvements are always possible but she could not discuss case‑specific details. Captain Mitch declined to comment on the origin or legal status of the weapons, saying those subjects "are not something that I can comment on at this time" because of the need to protect the investigation and prosecutions.

Bardua and Mitch described the investigative process and handoffs: district investigative units respond to shootings that do not immediately involve a death, and if a victim later dies, homicide investigators take over and inherit collected evidence and witness interviews. Bardua said detectives and victim services keep victims and families informed when appropriate but must balance transparency with preserving prosecutorial integrity.

Council members asked about support available to businesses and event operators. Bardua said the vice unit and Neighborhood Liaison Unit consult with bars and clubs, and the Greater Cincinnati Fusion Center can perform threat assessments to identify vulnerabilities and suggest hardening measures. The speakers also recognized coordination with the Cincinnati Fire Department and other partners at the scene.

The committee received no new operational information about motive or weapon provenance during the briefing. Bardua and Mitch repeatedly emphasized that additional details will be shared when permitted by the investigatory and judicial process. The meeting adjourned after members thanked the investigators and first responders for their work.