One person was k!lled and six others wounded when a mass shooting broke out during a homecoming event at Pennsylvania’s Lincoln University, U.S. on Saturday night, Oct. 25.
Gunfire erupted at around 9:30 p.m. during a “tailgate celebration” near the football stadium at the historic Chester County campus, according to officials.
“This is a devastating night in southern Chester County at Lincoln University,” District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe told reporters Sunday morning, 9ct. 26. “It was a chaotic scene and people fled in every direction.”
Police have detained a person who was found in possession of a gun. No charges have been announced as of early Sunday.
Six people struck by gunfire were transported to local hospitals. Officials did not provide their status or the extent of their injuries.
Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said that several other attendees were injured as they fled from the gunfire, but did not specify a number. de Barrena-Sarobe would not confirm if multiple shooters were responsible for the de@dly gunfire, but said it did not appear to be a planned attack.
“We’re operating as if this is not an incident where someone came in with the design to inflict mass damage on a college campus,” he said.
Officials were still trying to piece together the events that led to the shooting, revealing there was “viable evidence” of multiple gunmen in the parking lot area between the football stadium and the International Cultural Center (ICC), where the campus police department is located.
The district attorney urged community members to turn any information, including photos and videos, over to officials to help with the investigation.
Lincoln University Chief of Police Marc Partee said the function where alumni gathered to “be merry” was marred by the de@dly shooting.
“This was to be a joyous occasion, homecoming, when individuals come back and they give back to their alma mater, and they live the good memories of their times at Lincoln University which has propelled them into life,” Partee said at a press conference.
“This was interrupted by gunfire that should not have occurred,” Partee said. “We are concerned for our students who had to experience this, our alumni who had to experience this and our visitors and friends.”
“I’ve been briefed on the shooting at Lincoln University tonight, and my Administration has offered our full support to President [Brenda] Allen and local law enforcement,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said on X.
“Please avoid the area, continue to follow the guidance of local law enforcement, and join Lori and me in praying for the Lincoln University community.”
The campus was briefly placed on lockdown, but the order was lifted after police found “no active threat” to the school.
The university shared on Instagram that counseling will be provided to students and staff who need support starting at 10 a.m. Sunday.
