One person has been killed and six others wounded in a shooting at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania during homecoming celebrations on Saturday night. The historically Black university was hosting outdoor festivities when gunfire erupted around 9.30pm outside the International Cultural Centre, where tents and tables had been set up for tailgating after a football game.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe confirmed that a person with a firearm has been detained, but investigators are exploring the possibility of multiple shooters. He stated that there is no active threat to the campus and described the scene as chaotic, with people fleeing in all directions. Authorities are urging anyone with video or information to contact the FBI.
The victims' identities and conditions have not been released, nor details on where the injured are being treated. The campus, located about 50 miles south-west of Philadelphia, is now under investigation by Chester County detectives, with support from state police and the FBI.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of gun violence at homecoming events across the US this season. On Friday, five people were shot near Howard University in Washington DC during its homecoming weekend. Earlier this month, three separate shootings at high school homecoming celebrations in Mississippi left six dead and 18 injured.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his condolences on social media, offering state support. Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee described the community as devastated by the violence, which marred what was meant to be a joyous day celebrating the university's legacy.
