19 federal indictments involving illegal guns have been unsealed following “Operation Brightside”, a federal and state warrant sweep in the Columbia area.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Price says the operation focused on wanted suspects who pose an elevated risk to public safety. Columbia city manager De’Carlon Seewood praises Operation Brightside, telling 939 the Eagle that the goal is a safer Columbia and mid-Missouri:
“These conversations about public safety they’re ongoing with the city and ongoing with our federal partners. So it’s not a new initiative. But it’s about taking the resources that we have present to make sure we make impact in our community. I mean the goal is for a safe Columbia, safe mid-Missouri, safe area,” Mr. Seewood says.
The 19 suspects indicted by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City are charged with being in possession of a firearm after a prior felony conviction. Most of the 19 live in Columbia. If convicted, they’ll face up to 15 years in federal prison.
The recent federal and state warrant sweep in the Columbia area resulted in 32 felony arrests, 19 federal indictments and 21 felony state warrants. U.S. Attorney Matthew Price tells reporters that his office established a coalition of Missouri-based federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in December 2024, aimed at addressing violent crime and gun crimes in the Columbia area. They formed a Violent Crime Abatement Team (VCAT). U.S. Attorney Price confirms there is also a VCAT team in Springfield now.
The U.S. Attorney describes Operation Brightside as a homegrown solution to a hometown problem. Columbia city manager Seewood tells 939 the Eagle that public safety is one of his top priorities:
“Quality of life revolves around people feeling safe in their community. And so it’s not a new approach or a new initiative. It’s about making sure that we do the things that make sense in order to make sure our community stays safe,” says Seewood.
Columbia police chief Jill Schlude also praises the operation, saying it demonstrates the power of true partnerships. You can find the full list of the 19 indicted by the federal grand jury in Jefferson City here.