Teen found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University's campus in North Philadelphia
A 16-year-old boy was found shot dead inside a Chipotle bathroom on the edge of Temple University's campus in North Philadelphia Monday, police said. The shooting happened as students and staff returned to campus for the first day of the spring 2026 semester.
The teen was found shot in the chest inside the Chipotle on the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue at around 5 p.m., according to police. The restaurant is on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartments, which is near Temple's Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the boy as Khyon Smith-Tate of North Philadelphia. Philadelphia Police Department Chief Inspector Scott Small said the 16-year-old was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
"The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it," Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the victim's family and loved ones."
The 16-year-old and another minor asked for keys to enter the restroom, according to Small. Moments later, Chipotle employees found the 16-year-old shot in the chest. One spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon was also found inside the bathroom. A weapon was not recovered.
Small said the Chipotle was crowded and busy at the time of the shooting, and several people who were inside were being held for questioning. So far, they haven't gotten information from anyone who heard a gunshot inside the store.
Investigators said Smith-Tate was with three other teens when he was hit once in the chest by gunfire inside the restaurant's bathroom. Police sources said the other teens have been identified, and they've had some level of contact with them. No arrests have been made.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner on Tuesday stopped by the family's home, as well as Imhotep Institute Charter High School, where he said Smith-Tate was a student.
"I just came here to express my condolences to the family who are unquestionably suffering right now," Krasner said.
Krasner said the investigation would take some time to unravel what led up to the fatal shooting.
"It's not uncommon that it's unclear in the beginning, and usually, sifting through all the evidence, we get more certainty," Krasner said.
Restaurant, Temple community react after fatal shooting
"We are heartbroken by the tragic incident that occurred at our restaurant on the 1100 block of Montgomery Avenue in Philadelphia and we hope the individuals responsible are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," a Chipotle spokesperson said in a statement. "The safety of our employees and guests is our top priority. We are cooperating fully with the Philadelphia Police Department, and the restaurant will remain closed while we assist with their investigation."
Chipotle added that the company is offering counseling services to workers at the restaurant. The restaurant remained closed Tuesday.
Employee Jesús Lucero was off work and said he got messages from co-workers about the shooting.
"No one actually knows how it happened," Lucero said. "But the crew members are OK. Everyone that's working was OK."
Meanwhile, students are processing the shooting just steps from where they attend class — an area they say often draws teens after school.
"Like a big crowd or something on the streets, I don't know what neighborhood they come from, but it's usually in the afternoon after school," Mauricio Gonzalez, a sophomore at Temple, said. "I mean, someone needs to watch out for these children. Where are their parents, you know? They're not looking out for these people."
Temple is encouraging any students impacted by the shooting to seek support through Tuttleman Counseling Services.