Struck by gunfire at Chiefs Super Bowl rally shooting, Missouri man sues event organizers
A Harrisonville man who was shot in the leg during the mass shooting at the Chiefs Super Bowl rally in February 2024 is suing the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission, alleging that negligence and poor event security protocol were contributing factors to his injury.
James Lemons, 40, filed the lawsuit Monday in Jackson County Circuit Court. Lemons, who was at the rally with his wife and two children, was one of at least 24 people shot at the rally when gunfire broke out during a disagreement between two groups of people.
While trying to herd his family away from the sound of gunfire, Lemons took a bullet in the leg, according to the lawsuit. He fell to the ground while carrying one of his children, but was able to rise without dropping her.
Lemons was unable to work for at least three months following his injury, according to a fundraiser shared by the Lemons family, which had raised about $11,500 as of Tuesday. Bullet fragments had lodged in his knee and thigh muscles, limiting Lemons’ mobility and requiring at least one surgery, his wife Brandie Lemons wrote in May 2024.
Additionally, James and Brandie Lemons and their children have continued to struggle with the emotional impact of surviving the shooting, Brandie Lemons wrote.
“It’s still a vivid memory that I’m sure won’t ever be forgotten,” Brandie Lemons wrote in March 2024.
The Sports Commission, which organized the Super Bowl rally along with city officials, declined to comment on the lawsuit. Attorneys for Lemons were also unavailable for comment.
Lemons and his attorneys hope that the lawsuit contributes to a greater push for more intentional and effective safety practices at public events in Kansas City, the lawsuit says.
Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a 43-year-old mother of two, died in the shooting. About 60 others reported injuries caused by crowd crush during the mass panic and stampede that followed.
“The lack of reasonable security measures at the Victory Rally was not only a breach of duty but also a contributing factor to one of the most devastating mass shootings in Kansas City’s history,” the lawsuit says. “Justice demands that such negligence does not go unchallenged.”
At least six people fired guns during the shooting, according to a federal investigation. Dominic Miller, 19; Terry Young, 21; and Lyndell Mays, 23, all face related charges, including second-degree murder. Three teenagers were also charged in the shooting.
The lawsuit alleges that the Sports Commission had announced prior to the rally that the perimeter of the celebration area would be secured in some way, but that no such plan was carried out.
The lawsuit also alleges that other, similarly-sized events thrown at Union Station in the past had stricter security measures.
Since the shooting, security plans for events including the city’s 2024 St. Patrick’s Day and July Fourth celebrations have been impacted by the rally and its aftermath.
A case management conference regarding the lawsuit is scheduled in Jackson County court on July 9. Lemons and his attorneys are requesting a jury trial.
