In March 1884, tensions flared in Cincinnati, Ohio, following a controversial verdict by a jury that resulted in a manslaughter conviction in a case that many citizens believed was an obvious murder. As news of the jury's decision spread, public discontent grew, leading to a culmination of protests against the legal outcome. On the 27th, a large mob confronted members of the jury, expressing their anger and disbelief in a chaotic fashion. The mob's incensed actions signified a larger societal frustration with the perceived failures of the justice system. Over the next few days, the situation escalated dramatically, with rioters demonstrating their disapproval through violence and destruction.

The unrest led to a riot that swept through the city, culminating in the burning of the courthouse. This destruction highlighted not only the intensity of the public's dissatisfaction but also the vulnerabilities and limitations of law enforcement in managing civil disorder. Cincinnati's law enforcement struggled to maintain order as the mob grew increasingly uncontrollable. Local businesses and private properties were also caught in the chaos, leading to broader fears about safety and justice in the community. In the aftermath, the effects of the riot were felt citywide, calling into question how justice was administered.