Lincoln University mass shooting: 1 dead, 6 injured during homecoming in Chester County, Pennsylvania

Bassyonni

ago 4 hours

Lincoln University

A homecoming celebration at Lincoln University in Chester County, Pennsylvania turned tragic late Saturday when gunfire left one person dead and six injured, authorities said early Sunday. The shooting unfolded near the International Cultural Center area of campus during post-game festivities, jolting one of the nation’s oldest historically Black universities and prompting a large multi-agency response.

What happened at Lincoln University in PA

Witness accounts and initial police briefings point to a chaotic scene just after 9:15–9:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 25, as crowds gathered for tailgating and late-night events. Responders found multiple victims and initiated triage while securing the area. By early Sunday, officials confirmed seven total victims—one deceased and six wounded—with several transported to regional hospitals. A person with a firearm was detained at the scene. Investigators are reviewing whether more than one shooter may have been involved.

Authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the campus at this time. Classes and campus operations for the coming days will be evaluated as the investigation progresses.

Chester County response and investigation

The probe is being led by Chester County detectives with support from state and federal partners. Key investigative steps underway include:

Video and digital evidence: Collection of campus security footage, bystander video, and social media posts from the time of the incident.
Ballistics and forensics: Processing shell casings and trajectories to determine the number of weapons and shooters.
Witness canvass: Interviews with students, alumni, vendors, and security staff who were in the tailgate and event zones.
Timeline reconstruction: Pinpointing the moments leading up to the first shots and mapping the flow of people through the area.

Officials are asking anyone who recorded video between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET around Baltimore Pike and the International Cultural Center to share it with investigators.

What we know—and what remains unclear

Confirmed:

Fatalities/injuries: 1 dead, 6 injured.
Detention: At least one person with a firearm detained.
Setting: Homecoming weekend gathering near campus event spaces.
Status: No active threat reported as of Sunday morning, Oct. 26.

Unclear/Developing:

Whether multiple shooters were involved.
Motive and relationship between those involved.
Conditions and identities of the hospitalized victims.
Any links to earlier disputes or off-campus gatherings.

Recent updates indicate the situation remains fluid; details may evolve as interviews and lab results come in.

Lincoln University community impact

Lincoln University, PA—often referred to locally simply as Lincoln—is a tight-knit campus with deep alumni ties. Homecoming weekend typically brings one of the largest crowds of the year to Chester County, PA, including current students, families, and graduates traveling from across Pennsylvania and neighboring states. Campus leaders are expected to provide counseling resources, spaces for vigils, and academic accommodations for impacted students and staff.

Safety guidance for students and families

Stay informed: Monitor official university alerts and local public safety channels for changes to campus access or event schedules.
Share information: If you captured photos or video near the scene, preserve originals and provide them to investigators.
Wellness support: Seek counseling or peer support; acute stress reactions are common after mass-casualty events.
Avoid rumors: Rely on verified updates; incorrect claims about suspects or motives can hinder the investigation and harm the community.

How the timeline may unfold next

In the coming 24–72 hours, expect:

Status updates on victims’ conditions from hospital liaisons when families consent to release.
Clarification on suspect status, including potential charges if probable cause is established.
Enhanced campus security measures for the short term, with adjustments to curfews, visitor policies, and event permitting as needed.
Community gatherings—vigils or memorials—to honor the life lost and support the injured.

Context: Chester County and regional coordination

Chester County agencies regularly coordinate with nearby jurisdictions in southeastern Pennsylvania for large campus events. That framework enabled rapid mutual aid during Saturday night’s response, including EMS surge capacity and perimeter control. Investigators will review crowd management plans and lighting/camera coverage near high-traffic homecoming zones as part of the after-action process.

If you have information

Community members can assist by:

Submitting original, unedited video taken near the International Cultural Center between 9:00–10:00 p.m. ET.
Sharing license plate numbers or descriptions of vehicles leaving the area quickly during that window.
Providing anonymous tips through established county or campus channels.

The Lincoln University community now faces the difficult task of grieving while cooperating with a complex investigation. As facts solidify, the focus will turn from emergency response to accountability, recovery, and ensuring that future celebrations in Chester County, Pennsylvania can proceed safely.