Teen shot and killed in Chipotle restaurant near Temple University, police say

A teenage boy has died after being shot in the chest inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday evening, according to police.

The shooting happened just after 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, inside the Chipotle at North 12 Street and Montgomery Avenue, police said.

When officers got to the scene, they found a 16-year-old boy, now identified as Khyon Smith-Tate of Philadelphia, inside the restaurant’s bathroom with a gunshot wound to the chest as well as one spent shell casing, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told NBC10.

Khyon was pronounced dead by medics at the scene around 5:24 p.m., Small said.

According to Small, Khyon was in the Chipotle with at least two other people when he asked for the key to the bathroom.

Khyon and one other person were then seen on surveillance cameras going into the bathroom, Small explained.

Moments later, employees found Khyon suffering from a gunshot wound.

At the time of the shooting, the restaurant was busy with customers and employees during the dinner rush, Small said. The people who were there are being interviewed as witnesses.

A person of interest was taken into custody nearby, but it’s not clear if they are being considered as a suspect or as a witness, Small said.

As of Monday night, police do not have a motive for this shooting. However, the Homicide Unit is seeking information regarding several possible suspects.

Police said the first suspect is a boy, 16 to 17 years old, with dreadlocks, last seen wearing a black coat, a pink hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and black sneakers, and carrying a red backpack. The second suspect is described as a boy approximately 16 to 17 years old, last seen wearing a black coat, black jeans, black sneakers, and carrying a black backpack.

The third suspect is described as a boy, around 16 to 17 years old, with dreadlocks, last seen wearing a black coat, blue hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black sneakers, and carrying a dark-colored backpack.

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

The Temple University Police Department is working with the Philadelphia Police Department during this investigation, according to a spokesperson for the school.

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. 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. We are offering the services of a professional counselor to all our employees at the restaurant. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-TIPS.”

Police said that the last known address for Khyon is just eight blocks away from where the shooting happened.

Students at Temple University were being warned to avoid the area of campus near where the shooting happened because of the police activity there.

Monday marks the first day of the spring semester at Temple University.

Officials shared in a statement that Khyron was a student at Imhotep:

“It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of our young prince, Khyon Smith-Tate.  Khyon was caring, energetic, filled with school pride and comical.  He was filled with light and love.  We will always remember his smile.  

As one can imagine, we are struggling today.  Our collective hearts are hurting.  But this community is resilient. Our love and our African-centered values will lead us through this tragedy. 

We would like to thank the city government offices and officials for their support.  We want to thank the Mayor’s Office, the DAs Office, the 35th District of PPD, the Charter School Office, Councilwoman Cindy Bass and Councilman Isaiah Thomas. “

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner shared the following statement regarding the shooting:

“The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office joins the Philadelphia community in extending our sincere condolences to the co-survivors and families impacted by last night’s deadly shooting at Chipotle on Temple University’s campus. 

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office’s Homicide & Non-Fatal Shooting Unit is working collaboratively with the Philadelphia Police Department on the investigation of this devastating and traumatic shooting. 

Several units under the DAO’s External Engagement & Government Affairs Division including the DAO’s C.A.R.E.S. Unit (Crisis Assistance, Response, and Engagement for Survivors) and Community Engagement Unit were on location to provide support to family members and co-survivors.

This morning, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, Councilmember Cindy Bass as well as trauma-care professionals and victim advocates from the DAO visited the victim’s school (Imhotep Institute Charter High School), leading multiple grief trauma healing circles for students, teachers and staff.

The trauma and grief our young people experience as a result of shootings is unacceptable. We will not accept this as normal for our kids and babies. The DAO and our community and government partners will continue to do everything we can to prioritize public safety and healing in Philadelphia. 

The investigation into this shooting remains active and ongoing. We will get justice and answers for the family and communities impacted.”

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.