One person is dead and at least six others were injured in a shooting during a homecoming weekend celebration at Lincoln University in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania on Saturday night. Lincoln University, located about 45 miles southwest of Philadelphia, is recognized as the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe confirmed that one individual armed with a gun has been detained, while investigators are working to determine whether there may have been more than one shooter. “There’s some evidence that leads us to believe that that is a viable theory right now,” he said, adding that “this mass shooting should never have happened. Never have happened. Because we are going to not stop until we are able to arrest and to find the person or people that shot all of these people at Lincoln University.”
The shooting occurred just before 9:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the International Cultural Center (ICC), where students, alumni, and visitors were attending a post-football game tailgate and Yardfest celebration. The ICC also houses the university’s police department. Witnesses described chaos as shots rang out, sending people running for cover, with others reporting seeing victims receiving CPR, while several people were treated after being knocked down in the rush to flee. District Attorney de Barrena-Sarobe said that authorities said the campus was briefly placed on lockdown but later declared safe. “Today, 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,” noting there is no ongoing threat to students or the surrounding community. Officials have not released details about the victims’ conditions or whether any were Lincoln University students. The six wounded individuals remain under medical care, and law enforcement continues to monitor their status.
Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee at a news conference: “this was to be a joyous occasion. Homecoming — when individuals come back, and they give back to their alma mater, and they live the good memories of their time at Lincoln University, which has helped them propel into life. This was interrupted by gunfire that should not have occurred. We are concerned for our students who had to experience this, our alumni who had to experience this, and our visitors and friends. We set this out to be a time to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln University, the first historically Black, HBCU in the country. So, devastated, if there was another word to describe that, that’s more impactful, I would use it. But devastated is a start.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed support for the university community following the tragedy, posting on X: “I’ve been briefed on the shooting at Lincoln University tonight, and my Administration has offered our full support to President 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.”
The university announced that counseling services would be available to students and staff beginning Sunday morning to help those affected by the violence. The Chester County Detectives are leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI, state, and local authorities. Officials are urging anyone with photos, videos, or information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324). Digital evidence, investigators said, will be critical in identifying and holding those responsible accountable.
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