Shawn Kemp Assault Plea: Tacoma Mall Shooting
- Former Seattle Supersonics standout Shawn kemp has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault, according to the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
- Kemp, a six-time NBA All-Star, initially faced a first-degree assault charge after police reported he discharged a firearm during a dispute.
- The Tacoma Police Department reported that the 2023 altercation involved occupants of two vehicles and resulted in shots fired.
Former NBA star Shawn Kemp pleaded guilty to second-degree assault following a March 2023 incident at the Tacoma Mall,a case that has captured significant attention. Kemp initially claimed self-defense after allegedly firing a gun during an altercation, but the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office confirmed the plea. This charge stems from an incident where shots were fired between two vehicles in the mall’s parking lot. News Directory 3 is following the story closely, providing updates as this legal battle unfolds. Sentencing details are pending, leaving the ultimate consequences Kemp faces for this assault charge uncertain.Discover what’s next with fresh updates.
Shawn Kemp Pleads Guilty to Assault Charge in tacoma Incident
Updated May 27, 2025
Former Seattle Supersonics standout Shawn kemp has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault, according to the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The plea follows an incident in March 2023 at the Tacoma Mall in Tacoma, Wash.,where Kemp allegedly fired a gun.
Kemp, a six-time NBA All-Star, initially faced a first-degree assault charge after police reported he discharged a firearm during a dispute. His attorney, W. Scott Boatman, had previously argued that Kemp’s actions were justified, claiming he fired only after being shot at while attempting to recover stolen items.
The Tacoma Police Department reported that the 2023 altercation involved occupants of two vehicles and resulted in shots fired. no injuries were reported at the time, and a gun was recovered from the scene. Kemp remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
At 1:58 pm, an altercation between the occupants of two cars led to shots being fired at a parking lot in the 4500 block of S. Steele St.One car fled. No injuries were reported. A gun was recovered. A 53-year-old male was booked for Drive-By Shooting. The investigation is ongoing.
Prior to this incident and since his NBA career ended, Kemp has faced legal issues, including a 2006 arrest for drug possession.
Kemp, known for his time with the Supersonics, also played for the Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, and Cleveland Cavaliers during his 14-year NBA career. The Shawn Kemp assault case has drawn significant attention.
What’s next
Sentencing details are pending. Further legal proceedings will determine the consequences Kemp faces for the assault charge.