Flint City Council hears emotional testimony from mother on deadly Memorial Day shooting

The Flint City Council meeting on July 19, 2025, focused on public safety concerns, particularly surrounding the tragic case of Kevon Sykes, who was killed during a shooting incident in downtown Flint on Memorial Day weekend. The meeting began with a roll call, confirming the presence of five council members, and included a reminder of the city’s disorderly conduct code aimed at maintaining order during discussions.

Public comment was a significant portion of the meeting, with Renee Anderson, the mother of Kevon Sykes, addressing the council. She expressed her distress over the circumstances of her son's death and the chaotic scene that unfolded during the shooting, which involved over a thousand people. Anderson highlighted the alarming discovery of 100 bullet casings at the site and questioned the police response, specifically why multiple officers had their weapons drawn on her son, who she asserted was not involved in the shooting.

Anderson's emotional appeal underscored the community's ongoing concerns about safety and police conduct in Flint. Her testimony brought attention to the need for accountability and transparency in the aftermath of violent incidents, as well as the broader implications for public safety in the city.

The meeting concluded without any immediate resolutions but emphasized the importance of addressing community concerns regarding violence and police interactions. The council's next steps remain to be seen as they continue to navigate these pressing issues.