A night of celebration at Lincoln University, the USA’s oldest degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), was shattered by a mass shooting on Saturday night that left one person dead and six others injured. The violence erupted during the university's highly anticipated Homecoming weekend festivities.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. near the football field during the school's tailgate and yardfest event. Initial reports indicated four victims, but the number escalated overnight as authorities confirmed the greater toll.
Latest Update: One Fatality, Suspect in Custody
The Chester County District Attorney's Office confirmed the fatalities and injuries in an overnight news conference.
Authorities stated that seven people were shot, one of whom has tragically died. Two additional individuals suffered injuries from being knocked down or trampled in the resulting chaos. The District Attorney, Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe, confirmed that one person is in custody and was found in possession of a firearm. The lockdown placed on the school has since been lifted, with officials stating there is no active threat to the campus at this time.
Earlier, witnesses described the frantic scene, with one reporting seeing a victim receiving CPR amidst the confusion.
The tragic turn of events came as the university, located approximately 45 miles southwest of Philadelphia, was celebrating the annual return of alumni and students.
"This was to be a joyous occasion," said Lincoln's Director of Public Safety, Marc R. Partee. "Homecoming—when individuals come back, and they give back to their alma mater... This was interrupted by gunfire that should not have occurred."
