No charges will be filed against the man who fatally shot two individuals at a Detroit Lions tailgate event on September 15, 2024, at Eastern Market, Michigan, prosecutors announced Wednesday. The decision came after a thorough review of the evidence, which determined the shooter acted in self-defense.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said the evidence showed that the shooter, a 40-year-old man with a concealed pistol license, fired his weapon after Jalen Welch, 25, approached him in a threatening manner with a pistol. Welch was shot in the head, and the same bullet also struck and killed Rayshawn Palmer, a 40-year-old bystander who was attempting to break up the altercation.
“The evidence is clear that this was a case of self-defense,” Worthy said during a press conference. She emphasized that under Michigan law, the use of deadly force is permitted when an individual reasonably believes they are at risk of imminent death or great bodily harm. In this case, Worthy determined that the shooter reasonably feared for his life when Welch approached him with a weapon.
The fatal encounter began with a brawl among several men at Shed 6 in Eastern Market, a popular tailgating location near Ford Field. After the fight briefly dispersed, Welch and the shooter reconvened nearby. It was during this second confrontation that Welch pulled out a gun, leading the shooter to respond with a single shot. The shooter, who has not been publicly named, was detained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
Palmer, described by his family as a beloved father and community member, had been trying to intervene and prevent further violence when he was caught in the line of fire. His death has left his family and community reeling, and many are frustrated by the prosecutor’s decision not to pursue charges.
Palmer’s family expressed their disappointment with the ruling, questioning the necessity of the shooter’s actions. “He could have harmed multiple people,” a family spokesperson said. They indicated they may pursue a civil wrongful death lawsuit.
Worthy acknowledged the heartbreak felt by Palmer’s family but reiterated that the evidence did not support criminal charges. “This is a very sad and tragic situation, but the law is clear,” she said. “We cannot charge someone when the evidence shows that they acted in self-defense.”
The shooting has sparked significant community debate about gun violence, self-defense laws, and public safety at large gatherings. In response to the incident, Eastern Market officials have announced plans to tighten security at future events. The next Lions home game tailgate, scheduled for September 30, has been canceled, and the market is working with the Detroit Police Department to implement a “weapon-free zone” across the market’s grounds.
Detroit Police Chief James White called the event a tragic outcome of what should have been a celebratory day. He highlighted the broader issues of violence at public gatherings and the mix of alcohol and firearms. “Tailgating, drinking, and guns simply don’t mix,” White stated, noting that the city will be reviewing its safety protocols at public events to help prevent future incidents.
The shooting has left a mark on Eastern Market, a 133-year-old institution and gathering place for Detroiters. Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, which helps organize events in the city, expressed sorrow over the lives lost. “This was supposed to be a day of community, fun, and sportsmanship. Instead, we are dealing with the aftermath of a devastating event.”
The Downtown Detroit Partnership has confirmed that it will work with law enforcement to make all its venues gun-free zones, in an effort to prevent further incidents of gun violence.