One person has tragically lost their life, and at least six others have sustained injuries following a shooting incident that occurred during the homecoming celebrations at Lincoln University on Saturday night. This historic institution is recognized as one of the nation's first historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). According to authorities, the shooting unfolded around 9:30 p.m. after crowds dispersed from a homecoming football game.
Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe confirmed in an overnight press conference held on campus that one individual, allegedly armed, has been taken into custody. He indicated that investigators are exploring the possibility that more than one shooter may have been involved in the incident. “There’s some evidence that leads us to believe that that is a viable theory right now,” de Barrena-Sarobe stated. However, he refrained from commenting on the motive behind the shooting or the circumstances that initiated the gunfire.
Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the shooting. The extent of the injuries sustained by the six surviving victims has not yet been disclosed. The violent outbreak occurred outside the school’s International Cultural Center, where attendees had gathered for a tailgate event as part of the homecoming weekend activities.
Witnesses reported to NBC Philadelphia that the chaos began shortly after 9 p.m. when crowds began to flee from the sound of gunfire on the campus, located near Oxford, Pennsylvania, in Chester County. Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe described the incident as a mass shooting, urging the community to come together in prayer for the students, faculty, and law enforcement involved.
In response to the tragic event, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his condolences and offered the state's full support to Lincoln University's president, Brenda Allen, as well as to local law enforcement. He urged the public to avoid the area, continue following the guidance of local authorities, and join in prayer for the Lincoln University community. “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,” Governor Shapiro posted on X.
Two women who were on campus for Yardfest, a popular homecoming week event, shared their experience with NBC Philadelphia, noting that they did not hear any gunfire but instead saw a large crowd running from the scene around 9 p.m. “It was just a stampede of people,” remarked Ajia Hopkins, who attended the event with her friend, Lincoln alumna Dahjai Roger. Although they managed to escape unharmed, some of their friends fell during the rush to safety.
In light of this devastating incident, Lincoln University announced via its Instagram account that counselors would be available to students on Sunday morning to provide support. The university, which prides itself on being “the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU),” has not released further information regarding the shooting.
District Attorney de Barrena-Sarobe emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “This mass shooting should never have happened — never have happened.” The community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, calling for healing and support during this challenging time.
