Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images
What was supposed to be a celebration at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania turned into pure chaos on Saturday, Oct. 25. Homecoming weekend, usually a time for reunions, music, and school pride, instead erupted in gunfire. And, unfortunately, left students and alumni running for their lives. Authorities say at least one person was killed and six others were injured, leaving the historically Black university community shaken.
The shooting happened just before 9:30 p.m.near the schools International Cultural Center after the football game, where crowds had gathered for the festivities. Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe described the scene as chaotic, with people fleeing in every direction and some getting trampled in the panic. While multiple gunshot victims were rushed to hospitals in nearby Delaware, officials have not released details about the conditions of the six injured. Additionally, one person carrying a gun has been detained. However, investigators are still trying to piece together whether more than one shooter was involved.
Lincoln University, about 55 miles west of Philadelphia and known as the nations first degree-granting historically Black university, is grappling with the shock of violence interrupting what should have been a joyous occasion. Chief of Police Marc Partee expressed deep regret, saying:
“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 This was interrupted by gunfire that should not have occurred.”
Witnesses recalled loud music playing as the crowd celebrated before shots rang out. But eventually, students and alumni scrambled for cover as police and firefighters arrived to secure the scene.
The shooting is part of a troubling trend of violence surrounding college celebrations across the country this season. Similar incidents have recently occurred at Howard University, Alabama State, and Tuskegee-Morehouse games, while Mississippi has seen multiple deadly shootings linked to high school football events. So far this year, there have been at least 353 mass shootings in the U.S., leaving more than 300 dead and over 1,600 injured, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the Lincoln University shooting to contact the FBI as investigations continue.
