A night meant for joy and reunion turned into chaos when gunfire erupted during a homecoming celebration at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania on Saturday night,
leaving one person dead and at least six others injured. Authorities said the shooting took place in the parking lot of the International Cultural Center (ICC) building just before 9:30 p.m., where students, alumni, and visitors had gathered for a post-football tailgate and “Yardfest” event.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe confirmed one individual, who was armed with a gun, has been taken into custody. Although the motive is still not established, officials assured there is no active threat to the campus.
This was supposed to be a joyful event — a time for graduates to return, rekindle pleasant memories, and rejoice in their alma mater,” Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee told a Sunday morning news conference. “Joy was disrupted by gunfire that never should have occurred.
The authorities painted a picture of utter pandemonium as gunfire erupted, and individuals dashed frantically for cover. Witnesses told of patrons being crushed in the stampede to get away as another individual was seen being given CPR on the ground. Emergency personnel soon arrived to cordon the area and treat the injured.
“This mass shooting never should have occurred. Never,” District Attorney de Barrena-Sarobe said, labeling the evening “devastating” for southern Chester County.
The university, which is situated on Baltimore Pike roughly 45 miles west of Philadelphia, was locked down immediately after the shooting. The lockdown was later in the evening lifted once officials deemed there was no longer a threat.
Chief Partee indicated that the event was planned to celebrate Lincoln University’s history as the country’s first historically Black college and university (HBCU). “We are devastated for our students, alumni, and guests who came here to honor,” he said. “Devastated is only the beginning of how we feel.”
It is not yet known whether or not any of the victims were students at Lincoln University currently. The authorities are keeping check on the status of all the injured persons as the investigation is ongoing.
Following the tragedy, Lincoln University said that it would have counseling service for students and faculty members beginning Sunday morning.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his condolences on social media, writing, “I’ve been briefed on the shooting at Lincoln University tonight, and my Administration has offered our full support to President Allen and local law enforcement. Please avoid the area, continue to follow official guidance, and join Lori and me in praying for the Lincoln University community.”
The District Attorney’s Office in Chester County is calling on anyone with information or footage from the scene to report it as investigators try to identify what caused the fatal shooting that destroyed Lincoln University’s homecoming weekend.
