Kansas City man struck by gunfire at 2024 Chiefs Rally sues KC Sports Commission
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A Kansas City man has filed a lawsuit against the Kansas City Sports Commission, alleging the nonprofit organization failed to provide adequate security at the 2024 Super Bowl victory rally which ended in a mass shooting outside Union Station.
The lawsuit, filed by James Lemons in Jackson County on March 3, “seeks to hold KCSC able for its negligence, recover damages for his injuries and advocate for safer public event practices in Kansas City.”
It was filed just over a year after a celebratory Super Bowl rally following a Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory ended in gunfire that injured 23 people, including 11 children, and killed a woman.
Lemons said in the lawsuit he was struck by a bullet in his leg when gunfire rang out west of the main stage at the Chiefs’ celebration as the event was ending.
“By neglecting to take reasonable precautions -- such as security screenings, controlled entry points, and a visible security presence -- KCSC exposed attendees to an unacceptable and foreseeable risk of harm,” the lawsuit claims. “This failure stands in stark contrast to the stringent security measures taken at similar large-scale events.”
READ MORE: How KC Strong Fund helped victims with resources, funds in year after rally shooting
The lawsuit notes the NFL Draft -- which also took place at Union Station in May 2023 -- featured erected barriers around the site and required visitors to use one of three entrances.
“The same or similar measures should have been taken by the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission to ensure the safety of those attending the Victory Rally,” the lawsuit reads.
Lemons accuses the KC Sports Commission of negligence in failing to provide a safe environment, failing to provide and hire adequate security and failing to provide adequate security or safety equipment at the rally. The lawsuit also accuses KCSC of failing to assure that attendees of the event weren’t armed with guns and weapons.
The lawsuit requests compensation for “past and future physical pain and suffering, past and future mental anguish, past and future medical expenses, punitive/exemplary damages, court costs” and more.
ALSO READ: Victims of rally shooting get aid from KC Strong fund
Lemons spoke to KCTV in June 2024 about the impact of the shooting as the United Way paid victims between $20,000-$100,000.
“It’s a weight lifted off of our shoulders,” Lemons said. “I just want to thank everyone; I want to thank my family for putting up with me. It kind of stifled me because I couldn’t work, and it took away my insurance.”
Two men were charged with second-degree murder and other felony crimes in connection to the shooting. In February, the trial for one of the men, Terry Young, was delayed. Young’s trial was originally scheduled to begin March 10.
Young and Lyndell Mays were both charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action.
The KC Sports Commission responded to KCTV’s request for comment.
For more stories on the subject, visit KCTV’s Aftermath series page.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Lemons as a teen.
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.
