Crime
Mass Shooting at Juvenile Party in Tacoma Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured
TACOMA, WA – A tragic mass shooting erupted at a juvenile house party early Saturday morning, leaving two people dead and four others injured, authorities confirmed.
On Saturday, March 29th, at approximately 12:24 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a large gathering in the 17800 block of 25th Avenue Court East.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with 30-40 juveniles running and screaming in the street. Multiple 911 callers reported that a physical altercation had broken out just before gunfire erupted.
As deputies arrived, they encountered vehicles attempting to flee while others became stuck in the neighborhood’s congested streets.
Upon reaching the scene, deputies discovered a male victim lying in the street and immediately began life-saving measures, but he was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities later confirmed that five additional victims had self-transported to local hospitals for treatment. One of the hospitalized victims later succumbed to his injuries.
The remaining four victims sustained serious gunshot wounds but are expected to survive.
The youngest victim is a 16-year-old male, while the others range in age from 17 to 21.
Authorities have confirmed that one male juvenile is in custody in connection with the shooting.
The crime scene remains active and secured, with detectives and forensic teams processing evidence.
Investigators have recovered multiple shell casings scattered throughout the street, and two firearms have been located.
Nearby homes and vehicles sustained gunfire damage, prompting deputies to conduct welfare checks in the surrounding area.
No additional victims have been located.
A large portion of the neighborhood remains blocked off, and 25th Avenue Court East is currently closed. Authorities urge residents to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
Officials emphasized the dangers of large, unsupervised gatherings, stating that this incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly a celebration can turn into tragedy.
“Our deputies and first responders have endured an incredibly difficult 24 hours, and we strongly urge the community to take steps to prevent further senseless violence,” authorities stated.
Anyone with information related to this shooting is urged to contact law enforcement. Anonymous tips can be submitted through local authorities or Crime Stoppers.
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.