One dead, six injured in shooting at Lincoln University homecoming celebration in Pennsylvania

A shooting during homecoming celebrations at Pennsylvania's Lincoln University, a historically Black institution, left one person dead and six others injured on yesterday night (25 October). The incident occurred during outdoor festivities as students and alumni gathered to celebrate the occasion.

Authorities detained one person who had a firearm and are investigating whether multiple shooters were involved, Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said at a news conference early Sunday. However, officials believe there is no ongoing threat to the campus.

"We don't yet have many answers about what exactly happened," the district attorney said. "At this point, we're treating this as an isolated incident rather than an attempt to cause mass harm on campus."

The shooting took place around 9:30 pm outside the International Cultural Center, where tents and tables had been set up for tailgating and socialising after a football game earlier in the day.

"It was a chaotic scene—people ran in every direction," de Barrena-Sarobe said, urging anyone with video footage or information to contact the FBI.

Officials have not released details about the victims or the conditions of the wounded. Chester County detectives are leading the investigation, supported by state police and the FBI.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said on X that he had been briefed on the situation and that his administration is offering assistance. "Join Lori and me in praying for the Lincoln University community," he added.

Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee described the incident as devastating for the university, which had been celebrating its proud legacy. "If there were a stronger word than 'devastated,' I'd use it," he said. "But that's where we are right now."

The campus is located about 45 miles (70 kilometres) southwest of Philadelphia.