Stephens College Student Killed in Downtown Columbia Shooting
A tragic shooting in downtown Columbia, Missouri, has left a Stephens College student dead and two others seriously injured. The incident, which occurred early Saturday morning, has sparked calls for increased safety measures from University of Missouri president Mun Choi and other government officials.
Choi called on city and county leaders to bolster police presence and prosecute crimes to the fullest extent of the law. His demand has gathered support from local government officials, including Columbia Mayor Brian Treece and the Boone County Sheriff’s Department. They are implementing increased campus police patrols, improved lighting, and community outreach programs.
The shooting occurred during a verbal dispute involving a non-local resident. The shooter opened fire, hitting three bystanders. The victim who died was a student from Stephens College. The incident has raised concerns about the city's safety, particularly downtown, where the Columbia Police Department (CPD) chief Jill Schlude noted an increase in crimes since 2019, concentrated between midnight and 3 a.m.
However, some critics argue that Choi's characterization of the local crime climate is overexaggerated. They point to data from the local police department, which shows a decrease in gunshot incidents this year compared to the same period in 2024. According to Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, there have been 58 gunshot incidents since the beginning of the year, down from 105 in the first nine months of 2024.
In response to the shooting, multiple government officials have voiced support for Choi's call to improve safety downtown. The CPD has outlined plans to increase police presence. While the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of public safety and the need for balanced perspectives in addressing crime.
