One dead, six injured during lincoln university homecoming mass shooting

Lincoln University, PA – A night meant for celebration at the nation’s first historically Black university turned to terror when gunfire erupted during Lincoln University’s homecoming festivities late Saturday night.

The shooting occurred just before 9:30 p.m. outside the International Cultural Center, where students, alumni, and families had gathered for postgame celebrations. The atmosphere prior to the incident was festive with thousands of students partying across the campus.

By the early morning hours, Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe confirmed one person was dead and six others wounded as police continued to process what he called a “chaotic scene.”

Key Points

Seven people were shot, one fatally, during Lincoln University’s homecoming celebration.
A suspect was detained with a firearm as investigators search for potential additional shooters.
Officials urged anyone with videos or information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Investigators work through the night

District Attorney de Barrena-Sarobe said the shooting shattered what had been a day of festivities that began with a football game and campus tailgate. Authorities from the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, Chester County Detectives, and Lincoln University Police spent the night combing the crime scene for ballistic and digital evidence.

Officials have not identified the victims or confirmed whether all were students.

“We’re devastated,” the district attorney said. “We will not stop until we find the person or people responsible for this shooting.”

A campus on edge but no ongoing threat

The campus was briefly placed on lockdown following the shooting but has since been cleared, with police maintaining a heavy presence as the investigation continues. De Barrena-Sarobe said there is no indication of an active threat to the community.

A firearm was recovered, and one person is in custody, though authorities have not confirmed if that individual was involved in the shooting.

Investigators are reviewing witness statements and campus security footage while appealing to the public for cell phone videos to help reconstruct events.

University leaders express heartbreak

Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee described the night as one of profound loss for the community. “This was to be a joyous occasion, homecoming — when individuals come back to their alma mater to relive good memories,” Partee said. “That was interrupted by gunfire that should not have occurred.”

University officials said the shooting took place in the parking area outside the International Cultural Center, where tents and tables had been set up for alumni gatherings. Reports of injuries among those fleeing the scene are also being reviewed.

Federal, state, and local response continues

The Chester County Detectives are leading the investigation, supported by the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police. Authorities said they are processing DNA, shell casings, and ballistic evidence to determine how many shooters were involved.

De Barrena-Sarobe urged the public to assist by submitting videos and tips to investigators. “Digital evidence is key,” he said. “Anyone who recorded anything can help us hold the shooters accountable.”

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