Gov. Parson calls special session to address statewide violent crime

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced a special legislative session to address violent crime in the state during a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

The news briefing was held at 1:30 p.m. at the Missouri State Capitol. You can watch the full briefing in the player below.

The governor called legislators back to Jefferson City for the session which is scheduled to start July 27. He included it will be narrowly focussed on violent crime.

"We cannot continue to allow violent criminals to destroy our cities," Parson said. "Violent crime is not just a St. Louis and Kansas City problem, it's a Missouri problem."

Parson said there have been 101 homicides in Kansas City so far this year and 130 in St. Louis. The governor said murders have increased in both cities in the same amount of time since last year.

The governor mentioned law enforcement agencies have been spread thin because of increased violent crimes and recent protests. He said other policing issues related to protests held around the state will have to be addressed during the next general legislative session.

Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones and Cole County Sheriff John Wheeler attended the news conference.

Parson mobilized a task force last year to address violent crime in St. Louis. State and federal agencies were sent to the city after a rash of gun violence and child killings.

The governor also addressed a potential witness protection fund. He made a similar announcement in January. The proposed plan included $1 million for law enforcement agencies to help victims and witnesses of violent crime.

This is a developing story. Watch ABC 17 News at 5 and 6 p.m. for the latest coverage.