Full Breakdown
Teenager Found Shot in Chipotle Bathroom Near Temple University
1/13/2026, 9:58:29 PM
Incident Overview
On January 12, 2026, a 16-year-old boy named Khyon Smith-Tate was found shot to death in the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant located at 1100 Montgomery Avenue, near Temple University in North Philadelphia. The shooting occurred around 5:15 p.m. during a busy dinner rush, and police were alerted shortly thereafter. Upon arrival, officers discovered Smith-Tate with a gunshot wound to the chest and a spent shell casing at the scene. He was pronounced dead by medics shortly after 5:24 p.m.
Details of the Shooting
According to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small, Smith-Tate was inside the restaurant with at least one other juvenile male when he requested the key to the bathroom. Surveillance footage confirmed that he and another individual entered the bathroom shortly before the shooting. Witnesses, including restaurant employees and patrons, are being interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police have identified three possible suspects, all believed to be boys aged 16 to 17. Descriptions include one suspect with dreadlocks wearing a black coat and pink hooded sweatshirt, another in a black coat and jeans, and a third with dreadlocks in a blue hooded sweatshirt. A person of interest was detained nearby, but it remains unclear whether they are a suspect or a witness.
Community Response
Temple University expressed its condolences, stating, "The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy," and encouraged students affected by the incident to seek support through Tuttleman Counseling Services. The university also warned students to avoid the area due to ongoing police activity.
Chipotle released a statement expressing heartbreak over the incident, emphasizing their commitment to safety and cooperation with law enforcement. The restaurant will remain closed while assisting with the investigation, and professional counseling services are being offered to employees.
Official Statements & Responses
The Philadelphia Police Department is actively investigating the shooting, with the Homicide Unit seeking further information regarding the suspects. A reward of $20,000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Temple University Police Department is collaborating with the Philadelphia Police Department on this case.
Criticism & Opposition
While the investigation is ongoing, community members have expressed concern over the prevalence of gun violence, particularly in areas frequented by students. The incident has sparked discussions about safety measures in public spaces, especially near educational institutions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
As of the latest updates, police have not established a motive for the shooting. There is also no confirmation on whether the detained individual is connected to the suspects or the incident itself.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On Monday night, Chipotle also provided a comment to NBC10 on the shooting, saying, "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.” — Chipotle Spokesperson
- “The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy and there are no words that can make sense of it.” — Temple University Statement
