Nine people face trespassing and resisting arrest charges outside Kroger’s downtown Cincinnati headquarters following a protest, Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie confirmed.
According to Hennie, officers stationed at the Court Street building observed a group of demonstrators arrive around 7:40 a.m. and secure themselves to one of the entrances using chains and metal tubing.
Animal Equality organized the demonstration in direct response to Kroger’s timeline for fulfilling its cage-free egg commitments, stated group representative Claire Roberson.
Dane Charbeneau, Animal Equality’s Campaigns Manager, delivered the group’s central message: “Our ask today is simple: We want Kroger to meet with us and discuss a plan to fully end cages for hens. Kroger can end this action right now by agreeing to meet with Animal Equality. By staying silent, Kroger will not make this issue,or the animals affected by it,go away.”
Roberson explained that the organization generally initiates dialogue with companies before taking escalated action. Previous demonstrations at the site involved only signage, but Roberson indicated the group advanced its approach for Wednesday’s action because Kroger has failed to deliver on its stated commitments.
Roberson also confirmed that every individual who chained themselves to the building understood the likelihood of arrest.
When questioned about the deployment of public resources and emergency personnel to the scene, Roberson redirected concern toward Kroger, stating that those frustrated by the use of taxpayer dollars should hold the company accountable for its lack of transparency with consumers.
Hennie reported that Cincinnati Fire Department personnel deployed cutting tools to safely remove the chains and metal tubing securing the demonstrators.
Kroger issued the following statement in response:
“Kroger respects the right to peaceful protest and for people to make their voices heard,” the company said. “However, extreme tactics that create safety concerns for our associates, visitors, and neighbors cross a line. We are cooperating with local law enforcement as they respond to the situation and remain focused on keeping people safe.”
The company further noted that it has engaged with campaign leaders and continues to prioritize balancing animal welfare standards with affordable grocery pricing.
“Keeping food affordable and delivering value for our customers, particularly as families face higher costs, remains a core priority,” Kroger said.
Hennie confirmed that no injuries occurred among protesters, police officers, or fire personnel.
Police determined that none of the nine individuals arrested Wednesday reside in Cincinnati or Ohio.
Cincinnati police identified the nine arrested individuals as:
Caitlin Guthrie, 30, Austin, Texas
Kenan Osmanagic, 24, Norwell, Massachusetts
Nicholas Divella, 38, Las Vegas, Nevada
Conrad Listman, 24, Vienna, Virginia
Zachary Jordan, 38, Chicago, Illinois
Ruby Kincannon, 27, Wichita Falls, Texas
Evelyn Rhynedance, 40, Broadway, North Carolina
Thomas Earp, 21, Tallahassee, Florida
Brad Merrill, 31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Copyright 2026 WXIX. All rights reserved.
Leave a Reply