ST. LOUIS — State lawmakers are reacting to crime in St. Louis and the mayor's calls for the state to toughen gun laws. It follows ongoing crime concerns in the city, specifically downtown. Several candidates running for governor are now reacting.
When it comes to making the city safer, Mayor Tishaura Jones on Tuesday reiterated her call for tougher state measures to make it tougher to get guns -- especially minors. The other side says that's not fair to law abiding gun owners.
From the Fourth of July through Sunday, two dozen people were shot in downtown St. Louis. Police seized 39 guns during that same period.
“I think this calls more attention of what the state is not doing. I'm not trying to pass the buck at all. The state created the conditions that we are currently living under. Everybody has access to a gun, that makes our communities less safe,” Jones said.
"They're trying to blame firearms. They're trying to blame police for these problems," Republican Gubernatorial candidate Bill Eigel argued. "It's the failed policies of a regime that just doesn't want to be tough on crime… The answer is we’re going to start putting bad guys in jail.”
He wants to triple the highway patrol presence along St. Louis highways.
“Do you think there's been an opportunity, a unique opportunity, for you, for lawmakers, or whomever to say 'Hey, why don't we do something now? Why don’t we get state troopers or something now to help instead of waiting until later?’" 5 On Your Side asked Eigel.
“Yeah, that's a great question. Gov. Parson could interrupt this interview right now to do the very things that I’m talking about,” Eigel said.
Challenger Jay Ashcroft is calling on the state to retake control of city police, vowing to hire a thousand new police officers across the state if he becomes governor.
“These instances are tragic but, unfortunately, not surprising," Democratic challenger Rep. Crystal Quade said in a statement. "As Minority Leader, I have met with law enforcement countless times who have begged us to give them the tools they need keep Missourians safe. As Governor I’ll make sure there is more funding for officers and trainings and work to allow local communities to pass common-sense laws that fit their needs.”
"State officials should work with the City of St. Louis to support efforts to fight violent crime and make our streets safer for everyone,” Democratic challenger Mike Hamra said.
There are currently more than 300 openings in the city's police department. During the violent holiday weekend, city police made nearly 40 arrests.
"We can't be strong as a region or as a state if the leaders in St. Louis don't get their act together,” Eigel added.
"Our hands are tied because of the lax gun laws and the pre-emption laws that the state has already passed,” Jones said.