Violence in Cincinnati Highlights the Need for Personal Preparedness

Just this past weekend, a disturbing video surfaced from downtown Cincinnati showing a brutal attack in broad daylight. What began as a minor verbal altercation quickly escalated into violence, as a group of individuals surrounded and assaulted a man in the city’s central business district. The footage shows the man being punched and kicked repeatedly while on the ground, completely outnumbered.

Even more alarming, a woman who attempted to help the victim was also attacked. One of the assailants brutally knocked her unconscious—a reminder that good intentions can turn dangerous when you're unprepared.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. Cincinnati has seen a 25% increase in violent assaults in the central business district this year alone. And sadly, cities across the country are reporting similar spikes in violent crime.

In situations like this, time is everything—and often, you are your own first responder.

Had the victim in this case been equipped with a Byrna Compact Launcher, the outcome could have been different. The Byrna Compact is a highly concealable, non-lethal self-defense tool that fires chemical irritant projectiles—like OC pepper or Byrna Max rounds. It gives users the ability to respond quickly and safely when things take a dangerous turn.

Whether used directly to engage attackers or indirectly by dispersing a chemical cloud nearby, the Byrna could have provided critical time and distance—possibly even deterring the group from escalating the violence in the first place.

Self-defense doesn’t have to mean lethal force. In a world where crime can erupt in an instant, having a non-lethal option on hand can make all the difference.

Be smart. Be safe. Be prepared to defend.