A night of celebration turned tragic at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania when gunfire erupted during a homecoming event on Saturday, leaving one person dead and six others wounded, multiple sources have reported.
The shooting broke out at around 9:30PM near the football stadium during a “tailgate celebration” at the historic HBCU campus in Chester County, about 50 miles west of Philadelphia.
“A chaotic scene” as students fled for safety
Authorities described the aftermath as chaotic, with panicked students and visitors running for cover.
“This is a devastating night in southern Chester County at Lincoln University,” said District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe during a press briefing on Sunday morning, according to the New York Post. “It was a chaotic scene and people fled in every direction.”
Officials confirmed that one person was killed, though their identity has not been released. Six others were struck by gunfire and taken to nearby hospitals. The extent of their injuries remains unclear. Several more people were reportedly hurt while fleeing the area, CNN details.
Police detain one person with a firearm
Investigators said one person was detained after being found in possession of a gun, though no charges have yet been filed.
Authorities have not confirmed whether multiple shooters were involved but said there was evidence suggesting more than one gunman may have opened fire in a parking area between the football stadium and the International Cultural Center (ICC).
“We’re operating as if this is not an incident where someone came in with the design to inflict mass damage on a college campus,” de Barrena-Sarobe said via NPR, adding that officials were still piecing together the events that led to the violence.
He urged witnesses to come forward with videos, photos, or other information to help with the investigation.
Homecoming celebration ends in tragedy
The shooting happened during what was supposed to be one of the most joyous weekends of the year for the Lincoln Lions, who had hosted their annual homecoming football game earlier in the day against Elizabeth City State University.
“This was to be a joyous occasion,” said Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee, as reported by CBS. “It was interrupted by gunfire that should not have occurred. We are concerned for our students, our alumni, and our visitors who had to experience this.”
The university briefly went into lockdown following the shooting but lifted the order after confirming there was no ongoing threat to the campus.
Support and reactions from officials
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said he had been briefed on the shooting and that his administration was offering “full support” to Lincoln University President Brenda Allen and local law enforcement.
“Please avoid the area, continue to follow the guidance of local law enforcement, and join Lori and me in praying for the Lincoln University community,” Shapiro wrote on X.
The university announced via its Instagram page that counseling services would be available to students and staff beginning Sunday morning.
Lincoln University: A historic institution
Founded in 1854 as The Ashmun Institute, Lincoln University is recognized as the nation’s first degree-granting historically Black college or university (HBCU).
Its distinguished alumni include Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Hall of Fame baseball player Monte Irvin, and Namibian Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
What began as a day of homecoming pride has now left the campus community mourning, and searching for answers to how a night of celebration ended in tragedy.