City of Columbia, University of Missouri leaders meet behind closed doors on crime for fourth time
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
City of Columbia and University of Missouri leaders on Thursday held their fourth public safety meeting since the university president called on Columbia to crack down on crime.
An ABC 17 News reporter saw University President Mun Choi, Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick, Fifth Ward Councilman Don Waterman and Columbia Police Department Deputy Chief Matt Stephens enter the meeting at the State Historical Society of Missouri. The public was not allowed inside.
The meetings started after a deadly downtown Columbia shooting that killed a Stephens College student in September 2025.
In an ABC 17 News "Question of the Day," about 79% of those who voted say they would like public safety meetings to be open. Some city leaders also told ABC 17 News that they'd like to see the public invited into the meetings.
Choi met with Gov. Mike Kehoe in December to discuss crime in Columbia, but the meeting left out city officials.
University spokesman Christopher Ave told ABC 17 News that more information will be available after Thursday's meeting.
Check back for updates.
