The homecoming spirit at Lincoln University in Lower Oxford Township, Pennsylvania, was shattered on Saturday night, October 25, 2025, when gunfire erupted outside the university’s International Cultural Center (ICC). The shooting left one person dead and at least six others wounded, casting a somber shadow over what was meant to be a joyous celebration at one of the nation’s first historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
According to Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe, the violence broke out just before 9:30 p.m. as crowds gathered for a tailgate event following the homecoming football game. The ICC parking lot, filled with tents and tables, had been transformed into a festive hub where students, alumni, and visitors mingled to honor the legacy of Lincoln University. But in an instant, celebration turned to chaos.
“This is a devastating night,” Barrena-Sarobe told reporters during a Sunday morning press conference, as quoted by WPVI. “It was a chaotic scene and people fled in every direction.” Witnesses described panic and confusion as shots rang out, with people scrambling for cover and some sustaining injuries while fleeing or being knocked to the ground. One witness, Ajia Hopkins, captured the shock and heartbreak felt on campus: “It’s just so sad. It’s traumatic, a little bit. We heard people got shot, got killed. You come out here to have a good time and you never expect for this to happen. It’s very traumatic.”
Authorities responded swiftly, detaining one person who was allegedly in possession of a firearm. However, as District Attorney Barrena-Sarobe explained, the investigation is far from over. “There’s some evidence that leads us to believe that that is a viable theory right now,” he said, referring to the possibility that more than one shooter may have been involved. The motive behind the violence remains unclear, and officials have not yet released the names of the deceased or wounded.
Despite the horror of the night, law enforcement officials have emphasized that they do not believe the incident was a premeditated mass shooting. “Today, 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,” Barrena-Sarobe stated, seeking to reassure a shaken community. The school was briefly placed on lockdown, but that order was later lifted after authorities determined there was no ongoing threat to campus safety.
Lincoln University’s chief of police, Marc Partee, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “We set this out to be a time to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln University, the first HBCU in the country,” Partee said, as reported by CBS News Philadelphia. “Devastated. If there was another word to describe that, that’s more impactful, I would use it. But devastated is a start.” He added, “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 time at Lincoln University, which has helped them propel into life. This was interrupted by gunfire that should not have occurred.”
For the HBCU community, the shooting at Lincoln University marks the third fatal incident at a homecoming celebration this year, following deadly shootings at South Carolina State University and Alcorn State University. The recurrence of violence during these events — traditionally a source of pride and unity — has prompted calls for stronger safety measures and renewed scrutiny of campus security protocols. Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe did not mince words, describing the incident as a “mass shooting” and urging residents to “join in prayer for students, faculty, and law enforcement.”
As the investigation unfolds, local, state, and federal agencies are working in concert to piece together the events of that night. Chester County detectives are leading the case, with support from the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police. Authorities are combing through a large crime scene, collecting ballistics evidence, reviewing digital footage, and interviewing victims and witnesses. “This is particularly important because in this age of cell phones, people have videos. Digital evidence is key for us to putting this together and to be able to go back and hold the shooters accountable for what happened today,” Barrena-Sarobe emphasized. Anyone with information or video evidence is urged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The university has responded by offering counseling services to students, staff, and community members in need of support. In a statement released Sunday morning, Lincoln University announced that counseling would be available starting at 10 a.m. on October 26. The administration’s message was clear: the well-being of the campus community is paramount as it grapples with the aftermath of this senseless act.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was quick to express his concern and solidarity. In a message posted to X, he wrote, “I’ve been briefed on the shooting at Lincoln University tonight, and my Administration has offered our full support to President Allen and local law enforcement. 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 governor’s words echoed the sentiment of many who see these homecoming weekends as a time for celebration, not mourning.
The tragedy at Lincoln University is a stark reminder of the challenges facing HBCUs and college campuses across the country. While the investigation continues, questions linger: How can such violence be prevented in the future? What steps must be taken to ensure that homecoming weekends remain safe and joyous for all? As the HBCU community reflects on yet another loss, the call for change grows louder.
For now, Lincoln University mourns — and waits for answers. The legacy of the first HBCU in the United States is one of resilience and achievement, and the hope is that, in time, healing will follow this dark chapter. But the pain of October 25, 2025, will not soon be forgotten.
