Deadly Shooting at Lincoln University Homecoming, Leaving One Dead and Four Wounded
Lincoln University, Pennsylvania – A joyous homecoming weekend at the historically Black Lincoln University turned tragic early Sunday morning when gunfire erupted near campus, claiming one life and injuring four others in what authorities are investigating as a mass shooting.
The incident unfolded around 2 a.m. in the vicinity of the 100 block of Bond Avenue, just off the university grounds, as reported by Pennsylvania State Police. Revelers had gathered to celebrate the institution’s storied traditions when the shots rang out, sending crowds scattering in panic. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, transporting the victims to nearby hospitals, where one individual—a 21-year-old man—succumbed to his injuries. The other four, including two women and two men ranging in age from 19 to 22, remain in stable condition, according to medical officials cited by local outlets.
Eyewitness accounts, shared via social media and initial police interviews, described a chaotic scene amid the festivities. “It was supposed to be a night of pride and reunion,” one anonymous attendee told reporters from WPVI-TV, the local ABC affiliate. “Then everything exploded—people running, screaming, unsure if it was over.” Video footage circulating online, first highlighted by CBS Philadelphia, captured flashes of muzzle fire and fleeing partygoers, underscoring the sudden shift from celebration to crisis.
As of midday Sunday, no arrests have been made, and the shooter or shooters remain at large, prompting a heightened police presence on and around the 157-year-old university campus. Investigators are combing through surveillance footage and witness statements, with preliminary findings suggesting the violence may stem from a targeted altercation that escalated rapidly. “We’re treating this with the utmost urgency,” said a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Police in a statement to The Associated Press. “Our focus is on community safety and bringing those responsible to justice.”
Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting historically Black college, issued a somber advisory via its official channels, urging students to avoid the affected area and emphasizing support resources for those affected. President Brenda A. Allen expressed condolences in a campus-wide email, calling the event “a heartbreaking violation of our sacred homecoming spirit.” Counseling services have been expanded, and classes are proceeding remotely for the day to allow for emotional processing.
ALSO READ : Deadly Shooting in Jerusalem: Attackers Neutralized, Multiple Casualties Reported
This shooting marks a grim addition to a string of gun violence incidents plaguing U.S. college events this year, drawing parallels to similar disruptions at other institutions. Federal Bureau of Investigation agents have been consulted for potential leads, though no broader conspiracy has been indicated. Community leaders, including representatives from the NAACP’s Pennsylvania chapter, decried the event as a stark reminder of ongoing challenges in urban-adjacent educational hubs.
Authorities continue to appeal for public tips, with a hotline established through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-490-TIPS. As the investigation unfolds, the Lincoln University community grapples with grief, determined to reclaim the resilience that defines its legacy. Updates will follow as new details emerge from official sources.