Crime
No active shooter, no evidence of shots fired at University of Massachusetts Lowell
LOWELL, Mass. — Police confirmed Wednesday evening that at no point was there an active shooter situation on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML), despite earlier reports and a widely circulated video showing a person walking with what appeared to be a rifle.
Authorities say there is also no evidence that any shots were fired.
The incident began after reports surfaced of a possibly armed individual near Riverview Suites on UML’s South Campus.
A video shared online appeared to show an Asian male, approximately 5’5” tall, wearing a gray or white sweatshirt and black shorts, carrying a long weapon.
In response, multiple law enforcement agencies, including Lowell Police, Massachusetts State Police (MSP), SWAT, and the FBI, rushed to the scene to secure the area and investigate.
As a precaution, an emergency alert was issued to the university community, and a shelter-in-place order was put in effect for UML’s South Campus, covering the area between Marginal Street and the Lowell Humane Society.
By late evening, officials confirmed the lockdown had been lifted after determining there was no active threat.
During the lockdown, precautionary measures were taken for students across the city.
Members of the Bartlett and Stoklosa Cross Country teams were confirmed to be safely sheltering inside their schools.
School buses transporting students experienced delays due to road closures and traffic rerouting.
Officials stated that any student unable to reach their designated bus stop because of the lockdown would be redirected to the Moody School for pickup.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
While there have been no confirmed arrests, agencies are continuing to review the video and follow up on leads.
The Massachusetts State Police and FBI Boston confirmed they are actively coordinating with local law enforcement partners.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to avoid spreading unverified information.
Anyone with credible information related to the incident is asked to call 911.
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.