A weekend of celebration at Lincoln University turned into tragedy Saturday evening when gunfire erupted in a campus parking lot, leaving one person dead and six others injured. The shooting happened outside the International Cultural Center during a Homecoming tailgate event following the university’s football game. What began as a joyous gathering for students, alumni, and families quickly descended into chaos as shots rang out across the lot.
Witnesses described scenes of panic, with tents and tables scattered as attendees ran for safety. Police and emergency crews responded immediately, finding multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. The deceased victim, a 25-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not yet been released pending notification of relatives. The six other victims, all between the ages of 20 and 25, were transported to nearby hospitals and are expected to recover.
During a Sunday afternoon press conference, authorities identified one suspect as 21-year-old Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson, who was arrested and booked into the Chester County Prison on $25,000 bail. According to court records, he faces a charge of carrying a firearm without a license. Investigators said they do not believe the suspects arrived intending to carry out a mass shooting, but the motive behind the violence remains unclear.
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Lincoln University Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and the FBI are assisting in the ongoing investigation. Detectives are processing the extensive crime scene, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses to determine what led to the shooting. Authorities urged anyone with video footage or information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI.
In a statement on Sunday, the Lincoln University President announced that classes would be canceled on Monday, October 27, calling the day one of “healing and reflection.” University Police Chief Marc Partee spoke emotionally about the tragedy, saying, “We set this out to be a time to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln University, the first Historically Black HBCU. Devastated — if there were another word more impactful, I would use it.”
The incident has shaken the Lincoln University community, with students, alumni, and residents expressing sorrow and disbelief. Many have shared messages of condolence online, while campus officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting those affected. As investigators continue their work, the community mourns the loss of one life and prays for the recovery of the others injured in the heartbreaking Homecoming weekend tragedy.