Police Investigate Death of 16-Year-Old Khyon Smith-Tate Near Temple University Campus
PHILADELPHIA, A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found inside the restroom with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin released a joint statement following the incident.
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it,” the statement said. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said police believe the shooting occurred inside the bathroom shortly after the two went in.
Restaurant employees later discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound and alerted authorities. Police said one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic firearm was recovered inside the restroom.
Although Smith-Tate’s last known address was about eight blocks from the scene, investigators have not said what brought him to the location or what led up to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was busy, and several people inside were briefly detained for questioning. However, police said no witnesses have yet come forward who reported hearing the gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks away shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear. As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, whose whereabouts remain unknown. Police are also searching for information related to three possible suspects described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small said the area is covered by numerous surveillance cameras, and detectives are actively reviewing video footage as part of the investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Philadelphia Police Department as the investigation continues.
