A night of celebration at Pennsylvania’s Lincoln University turned tragic on Saturday when gunfire erupted during homecoming festivities, leaving one person dead and six others injured. The shooting took place around 9:30 p.m. near the International Cultural Center, where students, alumni, and guests had gathered for post-game celebrations.
According to Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe, one person in possession of a firearm was detained at the scene. Authorities are investigating whether more than one shooter was involved but confirmed there is currently no active threat to the campus community.
“We don’t have a lot of answers about exactly what happened,” de Barrena-Sarobe said during an early Sunday briefing. “Today we’re operating as if this was not an incident where someone came in with the intent to inflict mass harm.”
The historically Black university, located about 45 miles southwest of Philadelphia, had hosted a football game earlier in the day. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as shots rang out, sending people running for safety.
“It was a chaotic scene, and people fled in every direction,” said de Barrena-Sarobe, urging anyone with videos or information to contact authorities or the FBI to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Officials have not released details about the victims, including their conditions or where the injured are being treated. Chester County detectives are leading the investigation, supported by the Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed condolences on social media, writing, “Join Lori and me in praying for the Lincoln University community.”
Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee described the shooting as “devastating” for the university, especially on a day meant to celebrate its rich history and legacy.
“If there was a stronger word than ‘devastated,’ I’d use it,” Partee said. “This community is heartbroken.”
