A festive Sunday afternoon took a sad turn when gunfire erupted at a popular tailgating spot following the Detroit Lions’ football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 15, 2024. The incident, which occurred at Eastern Market outside of Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, left two men dead and a community grappling with the aftermath of unexpected violence.
According to Detroit Police Chief James White, the confrontation began around 4:30 p.m., shortly after the Lions’ 20-16 loss to the Buccaneers. What started as a large fight at Shed 6 on Riopelle Street quickly escalated into a deadly encounter.
“What it looks like preliminarily is that people got into it over something that happened here,” White explained at a press conference. “Tailgating, drinking, guns, they don’t mix.”
The initial confrontation broke up but quickly flared up again, only a short distance from its original location. According to White, the two individuals involved squared off, raising their hands as if preparing to engage in another fight. One of the participants in the skirmish, a male from Oak Park, then pulled out a gun and fired at least two shots.
The victims, both Detroit residents, were identified as men in their 40s and 20s. The older man was pronounced dead at the scene, while the younger victim was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Police announced on Monday, September 16, that the second victim had also passed away from his injuries.
The first victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was identified as 40-year-old Rayshawn Palmer. On Monday evening, hundreds gathered at Shed 6 in Eastern Market for a vigil in his memory. Palmer’s family portrayed him as the energetic center of any gathering and protective of his family and others. Reports indicate that Palmer was trying to intervene and stop the fight when he was fatally shot.
A suspect, described as a man in his 30s from Oak Park, Michigan, was quickly apprehended. Police confirmed that the suspect is licensed to carry a firearm. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine if there was any prior connection between the victims and the alleged shooter. As of the latest reports, no charges have been announced.
The incident has cast a pall over what should have been a day of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Eastern Market, located northeast of downtown Detroit, has long been a popular gathering spot for Lions fans before and after games. The Eastern Market Corporation emphasized that this was the “first incident of gun violence” in the market’s 133-year history.
In response to the shooting, the Eastern Market Corporation announced plans to enhance public safety measures, including increased foot patrols around the market. They also will consult with stakeholders, including public safety officials, city representatives, small businesses, and neighbors, to explore options for the future of tailgating at Eastern Market to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the shooting at his Monday afternoon press conference, expressing his condolences to those affected. “Anytime somebody loses their life, that’s a tragic thing,” Campbell said. “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.”
The coach urged the community to support one another as much as possible, reflecting the shared grief over the sudden outbreak of violence at what is usually a celebratory event.
Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, called the incident “incredibly tragic” and stressed the need to confront the decline in civility and the tendency to resolve conflicts through violence. Larson noted that his organization has made all its venues and events gun-free zones and collaborates closely with law enforcement to help prevent such occurrences.
Chief White also addressed the wider issue of conflict resolution, highlighting how his department frequently encounters similar situations at large gatherings. He expressed frustration over the lack of de-escalation skills, remarking that it should never have turned into a fatal situation.
As the investigation continues, authorities are calling for anyone with information or video footage of the event to come forward. The Detroit Police Department has provided multiple avenues for tips, including Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak-U.