Crime
Assata High School student Namar Hicks shot and killed in Milwaukee
An 18-year-old student, identified by family members as Namar Hicks, was fatally shot on Friday morning just blocks from Assata High School in Milwaukee.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m., shortly after Hicks was released from school on an early dismissal schedule.
According to the Milwaukee Police Department, Hicks was approached near Hopkins Street and Glendale Avenue by individuals attempting to rob him.
During the confrontation, gunfire erupted, striking both Hicks and one of the suspects.
Despite his injuries, Hicks managed to return to the school seeking help.
School staff immediately called 911 and initiated a lockdown, securing all entry points and turning off lights as a safety precaution.
Hicks was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where he later died from his injuries.
A 17-year-old suspect was also wounded during the incident and was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police confirmed that the teen was subsequently taken into custody. Authorities continue to search for additional suspects believed to be involved.
The shooting took place only moments after Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman and violence prevention advocates with 414Life attended a youth-focused event addressing the rise in gun violence.
Chief Norman condemned the repeated pattern of firearms in the hands of juveniles, stating:
“There is no place for firearms in our youth’s hands. None. We are seeing this situation play out over and over again. We all have a responsibility to do something.”
David Sinclair, Outreach Supervisor for 414Life, echoed the message, emphasizing the importance of continued intervention and prevention efforts.
Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius expressed condolences to the victim’s family, stating:
“Our young people need us aligned, unafraid, and fully committed to real solutions to gun violence in our community. Our children’s lives depend on all of us acting with urgency.”
Following the incident, families were given the option to pick up their children from the campus. Students also had the choice to remain in the school until regular dismissal.
A $1,500 reward is being offered for surveillance footage, including Ring camera video, photos, or any information that may assist in identifying the remaining suspects.
Individuals may contact Niema Chanell Ross directly at 414-429-4425.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Milwaukee Police at 414-935-7360. To remain anonymous, tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or via the P3 Tips app.
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.