1 Dead, 6 Injured in Shooting During Homecoming Celebration at Lincoln University

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PENNSYLVANIA — A night of celebration at Lincoln University turned tragic Saturday when gunfire erupted during the school’s homecoming weekend, leaving one person dead and six others injured, according to officials.

The shooting took place near the university’s International Cultural Center, where crowds had gathered for post-game festivities following the day’s homecoming football matchup.

Authorities said shots were fired into the crowd, sending hundreds of people fleeing in panic as emergency crews rushed to the scene.

“That festivity was interrupted and decimated by gunfire,” said Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe. “It was a chaotic scene, and people fled in every direction.”

One Dead, Several Injured as Crowd Scattered

At least seven people were struck by bullets, and several others were injured while attempting to escape the chaos. Victims were transported to hospitals in nearby Delaware, though officials did not immediately release their names or conditions.

Multiple people were treated at the scene for minor injuries after being knocked down or trampled as they ran for cover.

“It was a great time until we heard a couple of shots go off,” one witness told CNN affiliate WPVI, describing the confusion as “instant panic.”

Investigation Underway, One Person Detained

Investigators say one individual who was carrying a firearm has been detained, though authorities have not confirmed whether the person fired any shots.

District Attorney de Barrena-Sarobe said it remains unclear whether multiple shooters were involved but emphasized that early evidence does not suggest a targeted mass shooting.

“We don’t have a lot of answers about exactly what happened,” he said. “But it doesn’t appear to be a case where someone came in with the design to inflict mass damage on a college campus.”

Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are assisting in the investigation. Anyone with photos, videos, or information is urged to contact investigators at sheriff.wilkins@robesoncountync.gov or through the FBI’s tip line.

University Responds: “A Joyous Occasion Interrupted by Gunfire”

Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee said the campus community remains in shock after what was meant to be a night of reunion and pride.

“Homecoming is when individuals come back, give back, and relive good memories of their time at Lincoln University,” Partee said. “This was interrupted by gunfire that should not have occurred.”

The campus lockdown issued immediately after the shooting has since been lifted, though the crime scene remains active as investigators collect evidence. The university confirmed that counseling services would be available Sunday for students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy.

State Leaders Express Support

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said he has been briefed on the situation and offered state resources to assist the investigation and provide community support.

“Join Lori and me in praying for the Lincoln University community,” Shapiro said in a statement Sunday.

Part of a Growing Trend of Violence at Homecoming Events

The Lincoln University shooting is part of a disturbing pattern of violence reported this fall at schools and universities across the country.

Earlier this month, five people were shot near Howard University in Washington, D.C., during its homecoming weekend, and two people were killed after Alabama State University’s game.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, the U.S. has recorded more than 350 mass shootings so far this year, leaving at least 300 people dead and over 1,600 injured.

For Lincoln University — the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU) — the tragedy has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory weekend honoring its long legacy.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Chester County District Attorney’s Office or the FBI.