Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe addressed a shooting that injured three people early Saturday morning, September 28, 2024, posting a statement on Facebook regarding the incident and recent public safety measures. The shooting occurred in downtown Columbia, prompting a swift response from both the Mayor’s office and the Columbia Police Department.
Buffaloe’s post acknowledged the shooting as unacceptable, stating, “But one incident is one too many.” the Mayor highlighted proactive steps taken by the city and police department to curb violence, specifically the addition of eight officers to the night shift in June 2024. As then, these officers have conducted over 300 enforcement actions, contributing to a period without shootings in the downtown area until this weekend.
Police arrested Misael Covarrubias in connection with the Saturday morning shooting. He is currently held in the Boone County Jail without bond, facing charges of first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about safety in the city’s entertainment district, even as officials point to recent gains in crime prevention.