Crime
Video: 1 person in custody after shooting threat at Southwind High School
The school building is closed to the public, but parents can pick up their children.
Southwind High School was placed on lockdown on Wednesday morning after receiving threats, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).
Multiple schools in the area have reported similar lockdown measures in response to threats made on social media.
The SCSO received a concerning call about 7:20 AM, prompting the immediate lockdown of Southwind High School.
Social media posts shared by parents and students revealed a threat involving a firearm and the intention to shoot up the school.
Deputies are actively investigating the incident.
Craigmont High School also implemented a lockdown after a separate shooting threat was made on social media.
The school building is closed to the public, but parents can pick up their children.
Germantown Police said on social media, “We are aware of the threat and current lockdown at Germantown High School. Officers are working with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security to determine the legitimacy of the threat. We have large contingent of personnel at the school and we will remain on-site out of an abundance of caution. In addition to Germantown High School, we have deployed additional officers to schools throughout Germantown for the remainder of the day.”
Germantown Police confirmed the threat and lockdown at Germantown High School, stating that they are working with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security to investigate its legitimacy.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) sent an email to parents informing them of the threats and urging them to avoid going to their child’s school. The district stated that they are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as needed.
While specific details about the threats are limited, the district’s response indicates the seriousness of the situation and the precautionary measures being taken to ensure student safety.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA โ A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple Universityโs 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 Universityโs Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found 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 issued a joint statement following the incident:
โThe loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victimโs family and loved ones.โ
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victimโs last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individualโs 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, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.