Leaked text messages from St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones have sparked controversy, revealing a seemingly contradictory stance on gun control measures. While publicly advocating for stricter gun laws, private texts show Jones expressing skepticism about their effectiveness.

In a March 21 text exchange with her father and an advisor, Jones argued that strict gun laws don't deter violence, citing Chicago as an example. "It's about investing in the people," she wrote, according to a KSDK report based on open records requests. This private communication appears to clash with her public statements following a mass shooting in June, where she blamed "lax gun laws" for the violence and called for expanded background checks and regulations on assault weapons.

Jones also highlighted Newark, New Jersey, as a city with similar demographics to St. Louis but significantly fewer murders, attributing this to investments in violence prevention programs. St. Louis, in contrast, has consistently ranked among cities with the highest murder rates in the US.

Following the release of the texts, Jones' spokesperson attempted to clarify her position, stating that gun laws are "just one part of the solution" and emphasizing the difference between deterring behavior and restricting access to firearms. However, other leaked texts show Jones expressing support for stricter gun control, further muddying the waters.

In one exchange, she lamented the abundance of guns on the streets and the lack of means to remove them. She also criticized a state senator's op-ed that emphasized education and economic development as key to reducing crime.

The release of the texts, attributed to an "honest mistake," has prompted Jones to acknowledge the impact of her comments and pledge to engage in dialogue with relevant parties. The incident occurred amidst the backdrop of former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner's resignation in May, with the open records requests initially related to her departure.