FLINT, MI – Authorities have identified 25-year-old William Joseph Smith as the victim killed in a mass shooting that took place early Sunday, July 30, 2025, in Flint, Michigan. Smith was one of five people shot at a large gathering around 4 a.m. at the Van Club, located at the intersection of Industrial Drive and Pasadena Avenue. Smith succumbed to his injuries later that day in a local hospital.
The shooting, which took place on Flint’s north side, has left the community in shock, as Smith was one of several individuals at the event who were injured. Four others sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. By Thursday, authorities had not provided updates on their conditions.
The Shooting at the Van Club
According to the Flint Police Department, the mass shooting occurred during a gathering at the Van Club, a known venue in the area. Multiple people were shot during the chaotic scene, with Smith fatally wounded in the violence. The police department has not yet released detailed information about possible suspects or a clear motive behind the shooting.
“While the investigation is still in the early stages, we are doing everything we can to gather information and bring those responsible to justice,” said Flint Police Chief James Thompson. “The community deserves to feel safe, and we will continue to work tirelessly to investigate this senseless act of violence.”
Other Shootings in the Area
The Van Club shooting was one of several violent incidents in Flint’s north side early Sunday morning. Flint police report that another shooting took place two blocks away, at the intersection of Industrial Avenue and Carton Street, during a road rage incident. Witnesses say some individuals were fleeing the scene of the mass shooting when the second incident occurred, though the details remain unclear.
A third shooting occurred less than an hour later at a Marathon gas station at 2905 N. Saginaw Street. Investigators believe the victim, a 41-year-old man, was involved in the earlier road rage incident, though authorities have not confirmed the connection.
Community’s Reaction and Concerns
The mass shooting, along with the other violent incidents that followed, has left the community shaken. Many residents are expressing concerns about rising gun violence in the area and calling for greater safety measures to protect residents and visitors. Some local community leaders have organized meetings to discuss how to address the increasing crime in the area and what measures can be taken to prevent further violence.
“We are devastated by these senseless acts of violence,” said local resident Marcus Green. “We need more support for our community, and we need action to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again. Our streets should be safe for everyone, not just those involved in violent altercations.”
The Unrelated Shooting on Stewart Avenue
In yet another unrelated incident, three cousins were involved in a shooting at a residence in the 600 block of Stewart Avenue around 3:45 a.m. Sunday. A female victim died from her injuries, while another female and a male were hospitalized in critical condition. Police have not released further details on this case, but authorities believe the shooting is unrelated to the earlier road rage and mass shooting incidents.
Investigation and Reward for Information
Crime Stoppers has announced a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the shooting at the Van Club. The Flint Police Department has urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
“We need the public’s help to solve this crime,” said Chief Thompson. “If you know anything, no matter how small, it could make all the difference in our investigation.”
A Community in Mourning
The tragic death of William Joseph Smith and the injuries sustained by four others have left a profound impact on the Flint community. Smith’s family and friends have expressed their heartbreak over his untimely death, describing him as a kind and caring individual.
In a statement, the family expressed their sorrow: “We’re devastated by the loss of William. He was taken from us too soon, and we will never fully understand why this happened. All we can do now is mourn and hope that justice is served for him and the others who were hurt.”
The investigation into these shootings is ongoing, and authorities are committed to finding those responsible for the violence that has rocked the community. Flint residents and community leaders continue to mourn the loss of Smith and support the victims who remain in critical condition.
Looking Ahead: Community and Law Enforcement’s Efforts to Prevent Further Violence
As Flint grapples with this surge in violent crime, the need for a collective response has never been more urgent. Local officials and community members are calling for more comprehensive measures to address the root causes of violence, including increased policing, outreach programs for at-risk youth, and greater community involvement in ensuring public safety.
“There’s no quick fix, but together, we can begin to heal and work toward making Flint safer for everyone,” said Flint City Mayor Jeri L. Thomas. “The safety of our community is my top priority, and I will continue to work closely with law enforcement and community organizations to address the violence we are facing.”
The Flint Police Department continues to seek out leads in the investigation, and the public is encouraged to report any relevant information to help bring those responsible for this and the other shootings to justice.
This story is developing. Stay tuned for updates.