Mun Choi calls on Columbia city leaders to take action on downtown safety at business breakfast
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
University of Missouri President Mun Choi called on Columbia city leaders to take action Wednesday on safety concerns in downtown Columbia.
Choi made the comments during a presentation at a Columbia Chamber of Commerce quarterly breakfast event Wednesday morning. His presentation focused in part on violence downtown, particularly around East Walnut Street, and called for greater accountability from city leaders.
One slide in Choi’s presentation stated, “Violent Crimes and Homeless Crimes in Downtown Columbia are major issues.”
The slide continued, “It’s affecting your business and mine,” and called for “action and accountability from city leaders.”
Choi also showed attendees a timeline titled “Timeline of Recent Violence on Walnut Street.” The presentation listed several incidents between April and September that Choi characterized as violent fights or shots fired outside bars.
The slides reference “violent fights outside bars” on April 11, June 27, July 16, Aug. 9 and Sept. 5. The slide stated shots were fired outside bars on Aug. 9 and Sept. 5.
Another slide encouraged Chamber members to speak up and said silence could be viewed as indifference. It also encouraged attendees to contact city leaders and “demand results.”
Choi also focused on what he believes should be the city’s responsibility in addressing public safety.
The presentation said city leaders “must not divert attention and accountability through Violence Prevention and forming Task Forces to ‘study the problem.’”
The slide also said input and recommendations from Columbia Police Department leaders are essential, adding, “lives are on the line.”
Choi additionally told attendees, “We need to all take action moving forward, and if you look at where all this is happening, it’s East Walnut Street.”
Choi has pressured city leaders for months over downtown crime and the presence of homeless people around the MU campus. His campaign has included warning students away from a particular section of downtown at night.
City spokesman Christopher Ave said in a statement on behalf of Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and Columbia City Council members that the city shares Choi’s concerns.
“We share President Choi’s concerns. That’s why we continue to work collaboratively and legally to ensure that downtown—and the entire Columbia community—is safe for all,” Ave said.
Ave said the city, Columbia Police Department, the University of Missouri, The District, downtown businesses and other community partners continue to work together on issues related to public safety, traffic and pedestrian safety and the overall downtown environment.
Choi has not yet responded to follow-up questions, and the Columbia Police Department has not responded to a request for comment.
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