COVINGTON, Ky. — Multiple people were arrested along the Roebling Suspension Bridge Thursday evening after a peaceful vigil turned violent. The initial demonstration was in support of former chaplain Ayman Soliman before it escalated into a tense confrontation.
According to a press release by the Covington Police Department, officers responded to reports of a protest on the Roebling Suspension Bridge at 8:15 p.m. that obstructed traffic and created safety concerns.
Officers attempted to speak with the protest's organizer but were met with "hostility and threatening behavior," according to the police department.
According to the police department, officers issued several warnings to the protesters to disperse. After several members of the group refused to comply, they were taken into custody. In total, the Covington Police Department reports that 13 people were arrested.
Included in the arrests was Cincinnati CityBeat reporter Madeline Fening, who was covering the protest.
Charges range from Riot 1st Degree, Unlawful Assembly, Failure to Disperse, Obstructing a Highway, Obstructing Emergency Responders, Criminal Mischief, Disorderly Conduct 2nd Degree, to Resisting Arrest.
The Roebling Suspension Bridge was temporarily closed during the incident but has since been reopened.
“We respect everyone’s right to protest, but when demonstrations jeopardize public safety and violate the law, our officers must take appropriate action,” said Covington Police Department Chief Brian Valenti.
Video taken by our partners at WVXU shows the vigil turning into a march, with Covington police moving in to deter protesters while displaying less-than-lethal weapons. In one video, it appears a stun gun was deployed by an officer.
— Nick Swartsell (@nswartsell) July 18, 2025
A rally protesting the ICE detention of ayman Soliman has become a march across the Roebling. Earlier a truck drove through the crowd making for some very tense moments pic.twitter.com/CrwM6i1fWv
— Nick Swartsell (@nswartsell) July 18, 2025
Why Thursday's demonstration?
Soliman, a 51-year-old Egyptian immigrant, lost his asylum status in June.
"This is a documented history of the targeting of Muslims in our country!" said Tala Ali, Clifton Mosque Chairperson.
Immigration officials claim Soliman worked for a charity with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, an allegation that Soliman and his legal team deny.
"The dots don't connect on what they're saying!" said Kathryn Brady, Soliman's attorney from the Muslim Legal Fund of America.
Judy Ragsdale, former Senior Director of Pastoral Care at Children's Hospital, hired Soliman in 2021 and describes him as "an incredible human being."
"When I got his resume, I was just moved to tears!" Ragsdale said.
Ragsdale visited Soliman at the Butler County jail on Monday.
"It kind of broke my heart because I know the Butler County jail," she said.
Despite his circumstances, Soliman appears to be finding support even in detention, his supporters say.
"He told me he was very scared when he first went," Ragsdale said. "But he said even going there, he was with other detainees, and they started supporting each other."
Passionate supporters continue to call and pray for Soliman's release.
"My hope is that he'll be reinstated," Ragdale said. "He told me he's going to need a temporary work permit, so that he can go back to Cincinnati Children's."
