**Shawn Kemp Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Assault in Tacoma Shooting Incident**
Former NBA star Shawn Kemp, best known for his time with the Seattle SuperSonics, has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault related to a shooting incident that occurred outside the Tacoma Mall in Washington state in 2023. The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office confirmed that Kemp, a six-time NBA All-Star, faced initial charges of first-degree assault with a firearm, which were later expanded to include an additional count of first-degree assault and a charge of drive-by shooting.
Had he been convicted on the original charges, the 55-year-old could have faced a significantly longer prison sentence. The incident began when Tacoma police received reports of gunfire from a vehicle in the mall’s parking lot. According to reports, Kemp claimed that items had been stolen from his car, prompting him to track his iPhone to the Tacoma Mall. When he approached the vehicle of the alleged suspect, he stated that he was shot at and returned fire in self-defense. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the shooting.
Two individuals inside the vehicle remain in police custody on unrelated charges, and video footage of the incident has surfaced on social media, with some clips appearing to contradict Kemp’s version of events.
Kemp now faces the possibility of prison time, as second-degree assault in Washington carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Sentencing is set for August 22.
Kemp’s NBA career spanned from 1989 to 2003, during which he was a first-round draft pick for the SuperSonics and played with the team until the 1996-97 season. He notably competed against the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, in the 1996 NBA Finals, where the SuperSonics fell short in six games. In addition to the SuperSonics, Kemp also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic, concluding his career with averages of 14.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
**FAQ**
**What charges did Shawn Kemp plead guilty to?**
Shawn Kemp pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in connection with a shooting incident outside the Tacoma Mall.
