Flint, Michigan, City Councilman Leon El-Alamin was arrested on July 15, 2025, for felony assault and domestic violence. The charges have upset the Flint community, raising concerns about leadership.

Who Is Leon El-Alamin?

Leon El-Alamin, 44, is a Flint City Councilman for the First Ward. He started serving in March 2024 after being appointed to replace Councilman Eric Mays, who died in February 2024. In November 2024, El-Alamin won a partial term in a close election, beating Carol McIntosh by 108 votes (1,064 to 956). His term ends in November 2026.

El-Alamin founded the MADE Institute, a nonprofit that helps former inmates and at-risk youth find jobs and housing.

A Flint native, he spent seven years in prison in the 1990s for weapons and drug charges tied to gang activity.

His record was cleared under Michigan’s 2020 “clean slate” program, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, which removes certain criminal records to help people start over. This allowed El-Alamin to run for office and get a concealed carry permit.

El-Alamin pushed for a Flint law in March 2024 that stops landlords from rejecting tenants based on criminal records.

He has ties to Democratic leaders, meeting Governor Whitmer and Senator Cory Booker in 2024 and attending an event for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. He also supported Abdul El-Sayed’s 2026 Senate campaign.

Some social media posts call him “Democrat-endorsed,” but no official Democratic Party endorsement for his council role is confirmed.

On July 10, 2025, in Mt. Morris Township, El-Alamin’s longtime live-in partner called 911 from a locked bathroom, saying he attacked her. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said the woman reported El-Alamin got angry because she was checking her emails.

She said he abused her, and pulled her hair, causing bruises on her face, marks on her neck, and hair loss. Police found hair on the floor, supporting her story.

Prosecutor David Leyton stated, “She said that he had gotten angry with her because she was looking at her emails and that he punched her in the face, dragged her by her hair and choked her around the neck.” This evidence led to charges against El-Alamin.

Police arrested El-Alamin during a traffic stop on July 15, 2025, and took him to Genesee County Jail.

On July 16, 2025, he was arraigned in the 67th District Court before Judge Vikki Bayeh Haley. His bond was set at $7,500, which he paid. He faces:

• Felony assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder by strangulation: Up to 10 years in prison.
• Misdemeanor domestic violence: Up to 93 days in jail.

Court rules include no contact with the victim, no firearms, no drugs or alcohol, and no violent behavior. A court hearing happened on July 24, 2025, with more to come.

El-Alamin denies the charges, telling Flint Beat on July 14, 2025, “I’m not guilty.” He’s working with his lawyer, Rolland Sizemore, who hasn’t commented publicly.

How Is the Community Reacting?

Flint residents are upset. One said, “We look up to these people to protect us, and to find out something like this, it’s kind of heartbreaking.” Another resident, Crys Harold, called it “really disturbing and hurtful.”

City Council members are also angry. Councilwoman Jerri Winfrey-Carter said, “I am beyond disgusted by the news that Flint City Councilman Leon El-Alamin has been charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm and domestic violence. He needs to be removed from his seat immediately.”

Councilwoman Tonya Carter held a protest outside the courthouse on July 24, 2025, with people wearing purple to support domestic violence victims.

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and Council President Ladel Lewis haven’t commented. The City Council couldn’t meet on July 23, 2025, because El-Alamin and others were absent, possibly due to his bond rules.

This stopped important city work, like budget decisions. El-Alamin says he won’t resign and is trying to fix his bond restrictions to attend meetings.

Prosecutor Leyton stressed fairness, saying, “It doesn’t matter who the suspect is. Domestic violence is a terrible thing. We have way too much of it in this community.” He encouraged victims to contact the YWCA of Greater Flint or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).

El-Alamin’s arrest has sparked debate for several reasons:

• Domestic Violence: Genesee County had over 1,200 domestic violence cases in 2024, per local police. This case highlights the need for better support for victims. The YWCA of Greater Flint offers shelter and counseling, but more resources are needed.
• Leadership Trust: As a councilman, El-Alamin is expected to serve the public. His charges have hurt trust, especially in a city facing issues like poverty and the water crisis recovery.
• City Governance: Flint’s City Council has struggled with conflicts and resignations. El-Alamin’s absence has stopped meetings, delaying decisions on things like roads and schools.
• Criminal Justice Reform: El-Alamin’s cleared record and rise to leadership show the “clean slate” program’s goals but also raise questions about whether it works when public figures face new charges.

Social media posts focus on El-Alamin’s Democratic ties, suggesting political hypocrisy.

More Important Details

El-Alamin’s appointment in March 2024 was controversial, as some residents wanted other candidates without criminal pasts.

His close election win in November 2024 shows a divided community, now more upset by these charges. His concealed carry permit, allowed after his record was cleared, has also raised concerns, as the court now bans him from owning firearms.

The case could affect Flint’s future. If El-Alamin is convicted, he may be removed from office, triggering a new appointment or election.

Government Reference

For official details on the case, check the Genesee County 67th District Court records for El-Alamin’s charges and arraignment:
Genesee County Court Records

Flint City Councilman Leon El-Alamin’s arrest on July 15, 2025, for felony assault and domestic violence has upset the community.

Charged with attacking his partner, he faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

His background as a reformed ex-felon and his Democratic ties have fueled debate, but the focus is on justice for the victim and Flint’s struggling leadership.

Last updated: July 28, 2025