A joyful Sunday afternoon quickly turned tragic on September 15, 2024, when shots were fired at a popular tailgate location after the Detroit Lions’ football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The shooting took place at the Eastern Market just outside of Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Two men were killed, leaving a community struggling to understand the sudden outbreak of violence.
Detroit Police Chief James White reported that the altercation began around 4:30 p.m., not long after the Lions’ 20-16 loss to the Buccaneers. A large brawl at Shed 6 on Riopelle Street quickly escalated into a deadly event.
“Preliminarily, it seems like people got into a disagreement over something that happened here,” said White during a press briefing. “Tailgating, alcohol, firearms, they don’t go together.”
The initial fight dispersed but reignited a short distance away. White stated that two individuals positioned themselves as if to start another fight. One of them, a man from Oak Park, drew a gun and fired after Welch took out a gun first.
The two victims, both Detroit residents, were men in their 40s and 20s. The older man, identified as 40-year-old Rayshawn Palmer, was declared dead at the scene, while the younger man, Jalen Welch, 25, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries the following day, September 16, as announced by the police.
Palmer was remembered at a vigil held at Shed 6 in Eastern Market on Monday evening. His family described him as a spirited individual who was always protective of his family and others. According to reports, Palmer was attempting to break up the fight when he was fatally shot.
The shooter, a 40-year-old man from Oak Park, Michigan, was apprehended quickly. The police confirmed that he has a license to carry a firearm.
A video of the shooting was released, revealing details that influenced the decision not to prosecute the shooter. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy determined it to be a case of self-defense. The shooter’s attorney stated that the video clearly shows his client’s mindset when he fired at Jalen Welch.
One shot was fired, killing Welch, who reportedly drew his firearm and threatened Palmer first. The shooter hit Welch in the head with the fatal bullet, unintentionally killing bystander Palmer as well.
According to Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s statement, the shooter was not involved in the physical altercation or any wrongdoing when Welch threatened him with a gun. The shooter then retrieved his own weapon and fired a single shot, striking both Welch and, tragically, Palmer. Based on a thorough review of the facts and evidence, she concluded that the shooter acted in legitimate self-defense, making the shooting justifiable. There is insufficient evidence to charge the shooter with a crime.
The incident has overshadowed what should have been a day of fellowship and sportsmanship. Northeast of downtown Detroit, Eastern Market has been a favorite meeting place for Lions fans both before and after games. The Eastern Market Corporation noted that this was the first instance of gun violence in the market’s 133-year history.
The Eastern Market Corporation, in response to the shooting, announced plans to enhance public safety measures, including increased foot patrols around the market. They will collaborate with stakeholders, including public safety officers, city representatives, small businesses, and neighbors, to discuss the future of tailgating at Eastern Market and ensure the safety of all attendees.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell conveyed his condolences to those affected during his Monday afternoon press conference. “Anytime somebody loses their life, that’s a tragic thing,” said Campbell. “Whoever that is has a family. I’m thinking about them, and prayers go out to them, their family, their friends, and it’s unfortunate.”
Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, described the incident as “incredibly tragic” and emphasized the need to address the waning civility and tendency to resolve conflicts through violence. Larson shared that his organization has designated all its venues and events as gun-free zones and works closely with law enforcement to prevent such incidents.
Chief White also touched on the broader issue of conflict resolution, expressing his frustration over the frequent lack of de-escalation skills in similar situations at large gatherings. He commented that the altercation should never have escalated to a fatal level.
The Mt Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Talladega, Alabama, announced via Facebook that Welch was the grandson of a pastor from their congregation. The church extended its condolences to the Welch family.
The family of the bystander, Palmer, is experiencing grief and loss once again after learning that the individual who shot and killed him and another man will not face prosecution. They vowed that their pursuit for justice has just begun.
