An unauthorized hookah spot tucked inside a North Philadelphia apartment building turned into a crime scene early Monday, when gunfire wounded two men just off Temple University's campus, police said. Officers arrived shortly after 3 a.m. to find one man shot in the chest and leg and another hit multiple times; both were rushed to a hospital and listed in stable condition. The shooting broke out inside a pop-up hookah lounge on the ground floor of a building used as off-campus housing for Temple students, and at least one bullet traveled into the lobby, according to police. No arrests have been announced, and investigators are combing through nearby surveillance footage for clues.
Police response and initial findings
Philadelphia Police Captain Timothy Stephan told reporters that officers were called to North 10th and Diamond streets just after 3 a.m., where they found a crowded makeshift lounge and two men suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim had been struck in the chest and leg, the other had multiple gunshot wounds; both were later described as stable, as reported by CBS Philadelphia. Stephan said the hookah lounge was not authorized by the city and noted that Temple Police had already checked out the space after receiving complaints on both Friday and Saturday. Police said no suspects are in custody, and detectives are reviewing surveillance video from the area in search of potential leads.
Off-campus gatherings and student safety
Temple officials regularly remind students that off-campus activity can carry risks, and the university points the campus community to tools meant to help manage those risks before and after something goes wrong. On its Public Safety site, Temple highlights the TUalert notification system, a confidential tip line, and other resources designed to coordinate responses to incidents beyond university property and connect students with safety support services, including an annual security report and a daily crime log. Temple University Public Safety also outlines a range of programs and partnerships the school uses to address security concerns near campus housing.
What investigators are asking of the public
Police are urging anyone who was inside the hookah lounge, or who may have captured video of the gunfire or its aftermath, to contact detectives. Investigators said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to Temple students, according to CBS Philadelphia. The investigation is active, and officials are encouraging neighbors and students to share tips with Philadelphia police or use Temple's confidential tip channels.
