Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at a campaign rally for President Donald Trump at Mullett Arena on Oct. 24, 2024, in Tempe, Arizona. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
"Most importantly, we're praying for her recovery," Ramaswamy told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview. "It was sad to watch. And one of the things that surprised me was, despite how many times that video had been viewed around the country and beyond, she told me that I was the first state or local official that had reached out, and she appreciated that."
CINCINNATI MAYORAL CANDIDATE, VP VANCE'S HALF-BROTHER, SLAMS CITY LEADERSHIP AFTER BRUTAL BEATDOWN
Ramaswamy, who was born and raised in Cincinnati, said this incident should be a "wake-up call for why we need to address the wave of violent crime across the country."
A lone gunman killed four people, including a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer, on Monday afternoon in New York City, renewing national public safety concerns.
Ramaswamy said it "struck a chord" to see a violent incident play out in his hometown of Cincinnati.
A woman was punched on Friday night in Cincinnati. (X/@Anthea06274890)
"Bring back rational police presence in our cities, and do it in a way that unites people around safety, rather than seeing tragedies like the one that played out in Cincinnati over the weekend," Ramaswamy explained.
Specifically, as governor, the Republican candidate told Fox News Digital that common-sense reform includes reallocating resources for a greater police presence and equipping police officers with more training to effectively do their jobs.
If elected next year, Ramaswamy said, "We're going to set an example for what that looks like in Ohio," emphasizing the importance of strong leadership at the top, shifting the culture to one that prioritizes the rule of law.
The corner of Fourth and Elm Street outside of LoVe, a local nightclub, where the beating took place, as seen on July 28, 2025, in Cincinnati. (Peter D'Abrosca/Fox News Digital)
"We've got to listen to the people we lead, listen with empathy, but to channel even those most negative of experiences to have positive solutions, and that's the tone I'm looking to set in our state," Ramaswamy said of his conversation with Holly.
The gubernatorial candidate and native Ohioan described Holly as a "single working mom who went to a friend's birthday party," in his post on Monday night.
"It’s unconscionable that there were no police present in that area of Cincinnati on a Friday night, or even an ambulance to take her to the hospital. Hard-working Americans shouldn’t have to worry for their safety when they have a good time in our cities," he continued.
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"Holly appreciates the kind words and prayers from patriots across the country, and hopes that the publicity around her story ensures that local & state leaders clean up our failing cities. We hope to visit Holly soon as she recovers," Ramaswamy shared.
Fox News Digital's Pete D'Abrosca contributed to this report.
Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ramaswamy-pledges-rule-law-revival-after-viral-cincinnati-mob-attack