Kehoe, Choi meeting draws response from state senator
Matthew Sanders
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The state senator who represents Columbia clapped back on social media after Gov. Mike Kehoe shared images of his meeting with University of Missouri President Mun Choi.
Kehoe posted on social media with photos of him and Choi meeting with public safety officials, including Missouri State Highway Patrol leaders.
“This week, our state public safety leadership met with University of Missouri leaders to discuss our ongoing efforts to combat crime in Columbia,” Kehoe wrote. “We will not accept crime in Columbia or anywhere else in our state—and our administration is committed to working with local communities to support law enforcement and a safer Missouri.”
MU spokesman Christopher Ave said that the university is happy to have Choi’s support, using Columbia Police Department crime statistics to bolster his argument.
“The university values the governor’s support for public safety in Columbia and around the state,” Ave wrote. “Crime in downtown Columbia is 50% higher this year compared to last year. This is unacceptable. City leaders must address this issue. We can no longer accept delays, deflections and excuses.”
State Sen. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia) shared Kehoe’s post on the social media platform X, but added that he was filing legislation to address the issue.
“As Columbia’s Senator I went to the Columbia Police to ask what I can do to be most helpful at the state level,” Webber wrote. “They said to make it illegal for children to carry guns in public. So I prefiled that (SB 922). I look forward to your vocal support of this LEO requested policy.”
The law would create an offense of illegal gun possession by a minor, with some exceptions. The legislative session begins next month.