Missouri AG takes aim at Columbia bar previously targeted by Choi

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced on Tuesday that her office sent a letter to a downtown Columbia bar that was previously targeted by University of Missouri System President Mun Choi.

Hanaway issued a letter to Reign Bar – located on East Walnut Street between Eighth and Ninth streets – to address “nuisance conditions.”

“Since Reign Bar opened for business late last year, the area in its immediate vicinity has experienced a noticeable uptick in unruly activity that interferes with public safety, peace, and comfort in downtown Columbia,” the AG’s letter states. “In just the past several months, the corner of Ninth and Walnut Streets where Reign Bar operates has been the site of numerous disturbing events—by way of example only, this includes a large, violent fight and another violent incident involving gunfire, both of which occurred directly outside Reign Bar. Understandably, the public is alarmed about the conditions surrounding Reign Bar. The Attorney General’s Office is too.”

The letter says Reign Bar has 14 days to respond.

A number of incidents have occurred on East Walnut Street since July that caught attention of community members. Choi had previously taken aim at the business and had warned students to avoid the area.

In late July, a large street brawl resulted in seven arrests. About two weeks later, in August, shots were fired in the same area. In September, a man assaulted a security guard in the same area as well.

City of Columbia spokesman Christopher Ave previously told ABC 17 News that the area has been the site of early morning gatherings before Reign Bar opened.

Reign Bar opened in October 2025, according to business information filed with the Secretary of State’s Office.

In August 2025, Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude had noted a “hot spot” for gun violence shifted from the 900 block of East Broadway in 2024 to the 800 block of Walnut Street in 2025, previous reporting shows. Multiple incidents were reported in the 700 and 800 blocks of East Walnut that spring and summer.

View Hanaway’s full letter below.