A homecoming celebration at Pennsylvania’s Lincoln University turned into chaos Saturday night when gunfire erupted, leaving one person dead and six others injured at one of the nation’s oldest HBCUs.
The sound of gunfire shattered a "tailgate celebration" around 9:30 p.m. near Lincoln University’s football stadium, turning the historic Chester County campus—just 50 miles from Philadelphia—into a scene of panic, officials said.
“This is a devastating night in southern Chester County at Lincoln University,” District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe told reporters Sunday morning. “It was a chaotic scene and people fled in every direction.”
Students stood silently at the entrance to Lincoln University on Oct. 25, 2025, the campus still reeling after a shooting the night before. NBC10 Philadelphia
Police have taken a person into custody after finding a gun in their possession, but as of early Sunday, no charges have been announced.
A person was carried on a stretcher as first responders rushed to provide medical care following the shooting.
Six people were rushed to local hospitals after being shot, but officials haven’t said how badly they were hurt or if anyone remains in critical condition.
De Barrena-Sarobe said more people were injured as they tried to escape the gunfire, though he didn’t say exactly how many.
De Barrena-Sarobe declined to say if more than one shooter was behind the deadly gunfire, but said the attack didn’t seem premeditated.
“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.
Emergency crews rushed to treat a person on a stretcher after the shooting. NBC10 Philadelphia
Shots rang out just after 9 p.m., shattering a tailgate and yardfest near the football field at Lincoln University’s Chester County campus, roughly 50 miles west of Philadelphia. Lincoln University of PA
Investigators are still trying to untangle what triggered the shooting, with officials saying there is “viable evidence” that multiple gunmen were present in the parking lot between the football stadium and the International Cultural Center (ICC), where the campus police department is located.
The district attorney called on community members to hand over any photos, videos, or other information that could help officials with the investigation.
Lincoln University, originally established as The Ashmun Institute, was granted its charter by Pennsylvania on April 29, 1854, becoming the first HBCU in the nation authorized to award degrees.
Among Lincoln University’s most distinguished alumni are Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Hall of Fame baseball player Monte Irvin, former Namibian Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa, and former NYC deputy mayor for public safety Philip Banks III.
Firetrucks lined the streets leading up to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, signaling the scale of the emergency on campus. NBC10 Philadelphia
The alumni event at Lincoln University, meant for guests to “be merry,” was shattered by the deadly shooting, Chief of Police Marc Partee said.
“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.
At Lincoln University on Oct. 26, 2025, Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe addressed the press alongside local, state, and federal law enforcement officials amid the ongoing investigation. Chester County District Attorney
Hours after the deadly shooting, police lights flashed over cars lining the campus, casting an eerie glow across the scene. NBC10 Philadelphia
“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 went into a brief lockdown, but police lifted the order after confirming there was “no active threat” to the school community.
The university posted on Instagram that counseling services for students and staff in need will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Earlier Saturday, the campus was alive with the annual Division II football showdown between the Lincoln Lions and the Elizabeth City State Vikings.
Before the deadly shooting, the school had been posting videos throughout the day celebrating the homecoming festivities.
“Please join me in praying for the students and faculty of Lincoln University, as well as the brave members of law enforcement on the scene,” Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe wrote on Facebook. “It appears there has been a mass shooting there tonight.”
