Columbia City Council table proposed downtown event, residents express concerns after latest mass shooting

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The city of Columbia has several summer events that bring many people from all over to the city, on the heels of several mass shootings, Columbia residents feel uneasy.

"Any type of public event even like going to the grocery store its always in the back of my mind, I just feel like anything could happen at this point. Whenever I see a big crowd like that I feel like something could go wrong," Dylan Amico, a Columbia resident told ABC News crews.

Residents say they feel scared in many places, especially in large crowded areas.

Roots and Blues, Drinks In The District, and Show-Me State Games are just some of the events to be held in the city throughout the summer.

Nickie Davis with The District, Downtown CID said while safety is a priority for the district and city, there are ways to make it safer.

"We would love to get the lights installed that we asked the city to install a year ago," Davis said.

At Tuesday's Columbia City Council meeting, an item on the agenda for new a summer concert downtown, organized by Dan Rader a local business owner was tabled.

The Historical Society spoke at the meeting and said they were against the concert on September 24, due to hosting their own event that night and being worried about parking access. There is some concern about the street closure.

According to the application, Rader submitted it would be a large internationally famous performer. Radar said he cannot announce the artist until next week.

Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe made a motion to table the vote and discussion to July 18 for Rader to have more time to work on the concert.

Rader said he can not yet comment on his security details.

Rader has requested the closure of Sixth Street from Cherry Street to Locust Street from the council for the concert.