Seattle Area Mall Gunman Admitted Guilt: Shawn Kemp Confesses to Shooting Incident

Tacoma Mall Shooting: Shawn Kemp's Guilty Plea in 2023 Incident

In a surprising turn of events, the athletic legend, Shawn Kemp, pleaded guilty to a second-degree assault charge on May 23, 2025, in connection with an incident back in 2023. This confession was part of a deal with Pierce County prosecutors to resolve the charges, which initially included serious accusations like first-degree assault and drive-by shooting, carrying potential long-term imprisonment[1][2][3].

The incident in question occurred outside the Tacoma Mall, where Kemp, aged 55, found himself in a tense altercation involving two men in a Toyota 4Runner. According to Kemp's legal team, the commotion was triggered when these men allegedly opened fire on him first, prompting Kemp to retaliate[2][3]. However, Tacoma police held a different perspective on the situation. Video evidence appeared to support their viewpoint less favorably towards Kemp, questioning significant aspects of his account, such as his weapons status when he approached the 4Runner and whether he ran back to grab his gun after being shot at[1].

Additionally, 13 minutes before arriving at the mall, Kemp reportedly texted an offensive epithet, followed by "I'm about to shoot this [expletive]."[1]

Although the initial instigator of the fight remains unclear, it was established that Kemp pursued the 4Runner. The motive behind this pursuit was the theft of his personal belongings, which included an iPhone, a Gary Payton jersey, an employee's purse from his local cannabis dispensary, and other items[1]. In an attempt to recover his stolen possessions, Kemp used a tracking app to locate his phone. He initially had a conversation with one of the men in the parking lot of a casino, leading to the return of some of his property but not the phone. Subsequently, Kemp identified the phone in the mall parking area and approached the 4Runner to demand the remaining items[4].

Currently, both men in the 4Runner are incarcerated due to their involvement in other criminal matters[1]. One of them has even filed a lawsuit against Kemp, alleging intentional infliction of emotional distress as a result of the shooting incident[1].

Kemp's sentencing will take place on August 22, 2025[2]. Although he technically faces up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine for the second-degree assault charge[2], the prosecutors have recommended a maximum sentence of nine months in jail[1][3][4].

Kemp, a six-time NBA All-Star and renowned for his high-flying dunking ability, played 14 seasons in the NBA from 1990 to 2003. During this period, he reportedly earned $91.6 million in NBA salaries[4]. Apart from Seattle, he also represented the Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic[4].

Nicknamed the Reign Man during his career, Kemp has been involved in other legal controversies. In 2000, Reebok terminated its $11.2 million endorsement deal with Kemp following his critical comments about footwear companies at the time[4]. He also declared his favorite sneaker of all-time to be the Nike Air Force II, which he wore during his high school days[4]. Kemp and Reebok eventually resolved their disagreement through a settlement[4].

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[1] "Shawn Kemp Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Assault." The Seattle Times, May 24, 2025.[2] "Ex-NBA Star Shawn Kemp Facing Serious Time for Tacoma Incident." ESPN, May 25, 2025.[3] "Former NBA Star Shawn Kemp's Legal Troubles: An Overview." Sports Illustrated, May 26, 2025.[4] "Shawn Kemp's Path from the Court to the Courtroom." CNN, May 28, 2025.

The guilty plea by Shawn Kemp in the 2023 Tacoma Mall shooting incident has sparked an analysis of his legal troubles over the years, with many questioning the consistency of his actions and the possible impact on his image as a sports icon.
As the entertainment industry continues to keep an eye on the Shawn Kemp case, general-news platforms are offering insights into the legal proceedings, crime-and-justice implication, and potential sentencing, while sports channels are providing updates on Kemp's career and how the incident might influence his legacy in the world of basketball.
Meanwhile, the man who sued Shawn Kemp for alleged emotional distress stemming from the shooting incident has gained renewed interest in the entertainment sphere, with interviews and media appearances sharing his perspective on the events that transpired in the Tacoma Mall parking lot. His story serves as a reminder that the repercussions of a crime can reach far beyond the courtroom.