By Harshit, Lincoln University, Pennsylvania – October 26, 2025 7:15 AM EDT
A night of celebration turned to tragedy at Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), when gunfire erupted during Homecoming festivities on Saturday night. At least one person was killed and six others injured, authorities confirmed early Sunday morning.
The shooting took place near the International Cultural Center, where hundreds of students and alumni had gathered to celebrate after the university’s annual Homecoming football game. Officials described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking.
Gunfire Erupts During Celebration
According to Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe, shots were fired around 10:30 p.m. while crowds were dancing and socializing. “That festivity was interrupted and decimated by gunfire,” he said at a press conference. “It was a chaotic scene, and people fled in every direction.”
Authorities reported that seven individuals were struck by gunfire. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while six others sustained injuries of varying severity. Several victims were transported to hospitals in Delaware, while others were treated on campus for injuries sustained while fleeing — including being knocked down and trampled amid the panic.
De Barrena-Sarobe noted that one individual carrying a firearm has been detained, but investigators have not yet determined whether that person was a shooter or a bystander. “We don’t have a lot of answers about exactly what happened,” he said, adding that multiple shooters may have been involved.
Officials: No Sign of Planned Mass Attack
While the motive remains unclear, officials stressed that the shooting does not appear to have been a premeditated mass attack. “This does not appear to be a case where someone came in with the design to inflict mass damage on a college campus,” said de Barrena-Sarobe.
Local, state, and federal agencies — including the FBI — have joined the investigation. Authorities urged anyone with information or footage from the event to contact law enforcement immediately.
The District Attorney’s Office released a statement emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and that every effort is being made to ensure campus safety.
Campus Reaction: ‘A Joyous Occasion Interrupted by Gunfire’
For Lincoln University students, alumni, and faculty, the night’s violence struck deeply. “This was to be a joyous occasion,” said Marc Partee, the university’s Chief of Police. “Homecoming is when individuals return to give back to their alma mater, to relive the good memories of their time here. This celebration was interrupted by gunfire that should never have occurred.”
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and confusion. “It was a great time until we heard a couple of shots go off,” one attendee told CNN affiliate WPVI. “Everyone started running all at once. It was chaos.”
Another witness said she didn’t even hear the shots because of the loud music but saw people screaming and diving for cover. “We just ran,” she said. “People were falling and stepping on each other.”
The university lifted its lockdown early Sunday, but the shooting area remains sealed off as an active crime scene.
Support and Condolences from Leaders
In an Instagram post, Lincoln University announced that counseling services would be available Sunday morning for anyone affected by the violence. The post expressed the administration’s sorrow and solidarity with the victims, their families, and the broader Lincoln community.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said he had been briefed on the shooting and offered the state’s full support to university and local authorities. “Join Lori and me in praying for the Lincoln University community,” Shapiro wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Local leaders have also called for increased security and resources for HBCUs nationwide, citing a rise in campus violence and hate incidents across the country.
A Broader Pattern of Campus Shootings
The Lincoln University attack comes just one day after five people were injured near Howard University in Washington, D.C., during its own Homecoming weekend celebrations. Police confirmed that none of the victims in that shooting were Howard students.
The proximity of the two incidents — both involving historically Black universities — has renewed concerns about campus safety and gun violence in college environments.
According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, more than 50 shootings have occurred on or near U.S. college campuses in 2025 alone. Advocates say the pattern underscores the need for comprehensive gun reform and stronger campus safety infrastructure.
University Legacy Overshadowed by Tragedy
Founded in 1854, Lincoln University holds a revered place in U.S. history as the first HBCU to grant degrees. Alumni include civil rights leaders like Thurgood Marshall and Langston Hughes.
For many students, Homecoming is a cherished annual tradition that celebrates that legacy. “It’s supposed to be about unity and pride,” said one senior student. “Now it feels like our campus has been scarred.”
As investigators continue their search for answers, the Lincoln community gathers in mourning — determined to remember not the violence, but the values the university represents.