Crime
Watch: Moments shots fired inside Lumberton Walmart, victim identified as 42-year-old Brandy Olson
Authorities believe the incident was isolated and confirmed that no additional injuries were reported.
Lumberton, NC – Shocking video footage has captured the moments when shots rang out inside the Lumberton Walmart on Fayetteville Road, leaving shoppers scrambling for safety amid a chaotic scene.
In the footage, a man can be heard yelling, “Get on the floor!” as panicked customers ran for the exits.
Tragically, the incident resulted in the death of a 42-year-old woman, identified as Brandy Olson, who was killed in the shooting on Friday evening.
According to the Lumberton Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Walmart at approximately 3:45 p.m. following a report of shots fired.
When officers and other responding agencies arrived, they found Olson suffering from a gunshot wound inside the Woodforest Bank located within the store.
Olson, described as an innocent bystander, was given immediate aid by bystanders attempting life-saving measures before being transported to UNC Health Southeastern.
Despite efforts to save her, Olson succumbed to her injuries.
Police confirmed that the shooter fled the store and left the area before law enforcement could apprehend them.
Authorities believe the incident was isolated and confirmed that no additional injuries were reported.
City Councilman John Cantey Jr. released a statement following the incident:
“I would just like to reiterate to our citizens here in Lumberton. A lot of the citizens are calling. With inquiries into the tragic shooting at our Walmart. Just want to let our citizens know that it was an isolated incident. Where an innocent bystander was shot. I don’t want to preempt our law enforcement. Because they are working very hard and diligently to apprehend those suspects. I know our citizens are afraid. They are fearful of this holiday season. And it is a tragedy. And our prayers, on behalf of my precinct, and the city goes out to the lady’s family that unfortunately. And I will go on record and I will see it. Unfortunately has lost her life today because of the tragic event. Enough is enough. Gun violence is getting out of control. Us as elected officials, on a local level. The county, state, and federal level is going to have to somehow come up with some type of understanding. Mutual ground. We don’t want to infringe upon anybody’s individual rights on the second amendment. But, these guns out on the street that are on warranted. Or stolen, or obtained illegally. They are really harming our community. And, our citizens and we’re just going to have to pray. Pray just a little bit harder.”
Law enforcement is continuing their investigation and is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Sgt. Blake Harrell of the Lumberton Police Department can be reached at 910-671-3845.
The Lumberton community is left shaken by this tragedy as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
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 — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s 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 University’s 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:
“The 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 victim’s family and loved ones.”
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 victim’s 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 individual’s 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.