Vice President JD Vance’s half-brother Cory Bowman, a Cincinnati pastor, said his mayoral run will not be “deterred” after a bullet went through the window of his church, following a string of threats against him and his family.
In a post on X, Bowman, who is the pastor of the River Church Cincinnati, shared that an investigation is underway following the discovery of a bullet hole in the window of the church on Saturday when no one was in the building.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM CORY BOWMAN, PASTOR OF THE RIVER CHURCH CINCINNATI
— Cory Bowman (@corymbowman) October 18, 2025
On Saturday, October 18th, 2025, during our preparation for service of our church at 503 Clark Street, we discovered a bullet hole that had penetrated an exterior window on the Clark Street side of the…
On Saturday, October 18th, 2025, during our preparation for service of our church at 503 Clark Street, we discovered a bullet hole that had penetrated an exterior window on the Clark Street side of the building.
An official report has been filed with the Cincinnati Police Department, who have been very helpful. As the building was unoccupied during the incident, it has been classified as property damage.
Bowman continued:
“It is worth noting that, over the past week, there have been several negative social media posts, specifically regarding my family’s personal residence and the church’s address,” he added. “Posts that are made due to the nature of our current mayoral campaign. Throughout this campaign, we have encountered negativity, unfortunately, including threatening messages directed at our church, business, and family.”
“Despite these challenges, we have adapted and made decisions to continually prioritize the safety and security of my family and those around us,” Bowman continued, pointing out that he would not be at the church on Sunday due to a “previously scheduled appointment at another local Cincinnati church.”
He pointed out that church services would continue and assured the congregation that the church had taken “proper security measures” with personnel in place.
“The safety of the families and individuals in our church has always been, and will continue to be, our top priority,” Bowman concluded. “We will not be intimidated or deterred by any obstacles. Our life’s work is to positively impact the people of Cincinnati, and that commitment remains unwavering.”
Bowman is a Republican running against incumbent Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval (D) in the upcoming Nov. 4 election, Ohio.news reported.
The report read:
Crime has been a focus of this year’s mayoral race, particularly following a July 26 brawl in downtown Cincinnati, which went viral as bystanders opted to record it rather than call police. In the aftermath of the viral beatdown, which took place at West Fourth and Elm streets in downtown Cincinnati, authorities charged at least eight people in connection with the fight.
Critics lambasted Pureval for his slow response to what turned into a national story.
It might be too early to declare the incident the latest example of political violence against those on the right. However, given that this happened at a church, it is fair to point out that this is another time that a church has come under attack.
SEE: Sunday Sanctuary No More: Are Church Attacks Becoming the New Normal?
ALSO: Breaking: Mass Shooting at a K-8 Minnesota Catholic School, Suspect Reportedly Dead
RedState has reported on several of those incidents around the world and here in the U.S., including the recent attack at an LDS Church in Michigan, which left four people dead, and the mass shooting at a Catholic church in Minnesota, where two children were killed and dozens of others victims injured.
At the time of this publication, Vice President Vance has yet to comment. This story is developing. Check back to RedState for updates.
Editor’s Note: The Schumer Shutdown is here. Rather than put the American people first, Chuck Schumer and the radical Democrats forced a government shutdown for healthcare for illegals. They own this.
Help us continue to report the truth about the Schumer Shutdown. Use promo code POTUS47 to get 74% off your VIP membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member