The jovial atmosphere of a Sunday afternoon tailgate outside Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, was shattered by sudden violence after the Detroit Lions’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 15, 2024. Gunfire at the Eastern Market site resulted in the deaths of two men, leaving a community struggling with the aftermath.
Detroit Police Chief James White stated that the incident started around 4:30 p.m., shortly after the Lions’ 20-16 defeat by the Buccaneers. A fight at Shed 6 on Riopelle Street quickly turned deadly.
“Preliminarily, it appears that an argument started over an event that happened here,” White clarified during a press briefing. “Tailgating, alcohol, firearms, they don’t mix.”
The initial brawl dispersed but reignited in close proximity to the original location. White stated that the two involved men faced each other, poised for another fight. Then a man from Oak Park, one of the dispute’s participants, drew a firearm and fired.
The deceased, both Detroit locals, were men in their 40s and 20s. The older man, identified as Rayshawn Palmer, was declared dead at the scene, while the younger man, Jalen Welch, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries the following day, as announced by the police.
Later that Monday, hundreds gathered at Shed 6 for a vigil in memory of Palmer. His family members depicted him as the lively heart of any event, always protective of his family and others. It’s reported that he was attempting to break up the fight when he was fatally shot.
The suspect, a man in his 30s from Oak Park, Michigan, was swiftly taken into custody. The police confirmed that the suspect had a license to carry a firearm.
A public video of the shooting influenced the decision not to prosecute the shooter. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy ruled it as a case of self-defense. The shooter’s lawyer emphasized that the footage clearly demonstrates his client’s mindset when he began shooting at Welch.
According to a report, Welch was killed by a single shot after he allegedly brandished his firearm and threatened Palmer first. The shooter’s bullet intended for Welch inadvertently also killed the bystander, Palmer.
Prosecutor Kym Worthy stated that the shooter was not involved in the physical altercation or any wrongdoing when Welch first threatened him with a gun. It was then that the shooter drew his firearm and fired a single shot, hitting Welch and, unfortunately, Palmer too. Worthy stated that a thorough examination of the facts and evidence suggests that the shooter was acting in valid self-defense, which warranted the shooting. There’s insufficient evidence to charge the shooter with any crime.
This tragic incident cast a shadow over what should have been a day of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Eastern Market, a favored gathering spot for Lions fans, is located northeast of downtown Detroit. The Eastern Market Corporation stated that this was the first instance of gun violence in the market’s 133-year history.
In response to the shooting, the Eastern Market Corporation declared plans to ramp up public safety measures, including increased foot patrols. They also plan to consult with stakeholders, city representatives, public safety officials, small businesses, and residents to discuss the future of tailgating at Eastern Market and ensure the safety of all attendees.
At his Monday press conference, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the shooting, expressing condolences to those affected. “Anytime someone loses their life, that’s a tragic thing,” Campbell said. “That person had a family. My thoughts are with them, and prayers go out to them, their family, their friends. It’s unfortunate.”
Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, referred to the incident as “extremely tragic” and highlighted the need to address the decline in civility and the propensity to resolve disputes through violence. Larson’s organization has declared all its venues and events gun-free zones and works closely with law enforcement to avoid such incidents.
Chief White also discussed the broader issue of conflict resolution, noting the frequency of similar situations at large gatherings. He expressed disappointment over the absence of de-escalation skills, stating that it should never have escalated to a fatal incident.
The Mt Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Talladega, Alabama, declared on their Facebook page that Welch was the grandson of a pastor from their congregation. The church extended their condolences to the Welch family via Facebook.
The family of the innocent bystander, Palmer, is grappling with grief and loss upon learning that the shooter responsible will not face prosecution. They have stated that their pursuit of justice has only just begun.
