Teen found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on Temple University's campus in North Philadelphia
A 16-year-old boy was found shot dead inside a Chipotle bathroom on 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 near Temple's Student Center and TECH Center.
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."
Small said police believe the shooting happened inside the bathroom of the Chipotle.
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.
Small said the Chipotle was very crowded at the time of the shooting, and numerous people were interviewed by detectives. So far, they haven't gotten information from anyone who heard a gunshot inside the store. Small said the chain restaurant was very loud and busy at the time of the shooting around dinner time.
A person of interest was taken into custody a few blocks from the scene, but their involvement is unclear at this time.
Small said police are still investigating who pulled the trigger. The 16-year-old entered the bathroom with another minor, but investigators aren't sure about the latter's whereabouts.
A third person who was wearing dark clothing and a backpack was also involved in the incident, according to Small.
Small said there are plenty of cameras in the area and police will use them in their investigation.
Temple is encouraging any students impacted by the shooting to seek support through Tuttleman Counseling Services.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.