St. Louis Sues Missouri to Block Police Department Takeover

The City of St. Louis and Board of Aldermen President Megan Green have filed a federal lawsuit against a new Missouri law that transfers control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to a state-appointed board. The lawsuit claims the law violates First Amendment rights by prohibiting city officials from interfering with the board's actions and imposes an unfunded mandate requiring the city to increase police funding. Green argues that the vague language of the law could lead to fines or removal from office for city officials advocating against it. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, who signed the bill, has defended the takeover as a means to enhance public safety and stabilize the police force. Critics, including city leaders, contend that the takeover undermines local accountability and could reverse recent crime reduction efforts. The lawsuit reflects ongoing tensions between local and state governance in St. Louis, with city officials asserting their right to manage local law enforcement.