Written by Tanya Terry
An argument between two families that occurred in the back of the Flint City Council chambers during the October 14 meeting led to one woman pulling out her gun.
That evening, the City of Flint Police Department issued this statement:
“This evening at 6:37 p.m., the City of Flint Police Department received a 911 call regarding a disturbance at a regularly scheduled city council meeting. Reports indicated that several attendees were engaged in a verbal confrontation that escalated to a potential physical altercation.
“Before officers arrived at the City Council chamber, additional reports surfaced indicating that one individual was armed with a firearm. Upon their arrival, officers encountered a female subject in possession of a firearm, which was confirmed to be legally possessed.
“Responding officers acted swiftly to re-establish order in the chamber. Following their intervention, the city council meeting was adjourned.
“At this time, no arrests have been made, and the situation is being monitored by the City of Flint Police Department.
“The safety and security of our community remain a top priority. The City of Flint Police Department continues to urge all residents to report any suspicious activities or disturbances promptly.”
City officials have since confirmed that the two families involved were the family of 3rd Ward Councilman Quincy Murphy and the family of Beverly Biggs-Leavy. Murphy died September 29, 2024. Biggs-Leavy was a candidate for the 3rd Ward city council seat. She was expecting to interview for the seat the day of the altercation.
Biggs-Leavy said the following:
“The events at the Flint City Council meeting were extremely regrettable and could have been avoided if the president and vice president of council had taken action.
I was looking forward to the interview for a potential appointment to the council, but unfortunately, this was overshadowed by a disruptive group of around 20 individuals who attempted to intimidate me from seeking the 3rd ward council seat. These individuals acted aggressively towards (me) from the start of the council meeting, without any warning from council.
My family and I were being threatened by the aggressors while council watched without calling order. They tried to physically harm me and my family, and we rightfully defended ourselves from the threats and attacks.
Thankfully, my family was there to protect me as there was no proper police presence. Unfortunately, Flint City Council President Ladel Lewis did not take any action to prevent the turmoil, which I believe was exacerbated by her ties to the offending family.
Despite this, I remain determined to support the residents of Flint and the 3rd ward by running for the 3rd ward council seat. I am grateful for the support of everyone. Thank you.”
A 2023 lawsuit claimed the City of Flint’s gun ban at City Hall violated the Open Meetings Act because it prevented lawfully armed people from participating in the city’s official business.
So, a judge ordered the city to remove metal detectors and gun-free zone signs at the location.
On October 14, Mayor Sheldon Neeley issued the following statement:
“The safety of residents is our number one priority, and we are very alarmed by the incident that took place tonight. I want to thank the Flint Police Department and all assisting agencies for their quick response to deescalate the situation.
“We have witnessed incendiary political rhetoric across our nation and close to home, and we have done everything in our power to make Flint City Hall safer. We have security guards in place during operating hours and we have implemented new security measures throughout the building. Citizens and stakeholders should be able to engage in the work of government without fearing for their safety, and we will continue to work with the Flint Police Department to ensure that public meetings are safe.”
Neither the Murphy family nor the council president were immediately available for additional comment.
Interviews for the 3rd Ward Flint City Councilperson seat will Octobre 23.
In addition to Biggs-Leavy, AC Dumas, Kerry Leon Nelson and Richard Jones will be interviewed at that time.
