LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. — A night of homecoming celebration turned tragic at Pennsylvania’s historic Lincoln University on Saturday, when gunfire erupted during a campus event, leaving one person dead and six others wounded.

The shooting occurred around 9:30 p.m. during a homecoming “tailgate celebration” near the university’s football stadium on the Chester County campus, located approximately 50 miles west of Philadelphia, according to law enforcement officials.

“This is a devastating night in southern Chester County at Lincoln University,” District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said during a Sunday morning press conference. “It was a chaotic scene and people fled in every direction.”

Authorities confirmed that one person was killed and six others suffered gunshot wounds. Several additional attendees were injured while fleeing the scene, though officials did not specify how many.

The deceased victim’s identity has not been released pending notification of family members.

Police detained one individual found in possession of a firearm near the scene. However, as of Sunday morning, no formal charges had been announced.

Investigators said preliminary evidence indicates multiple gunmen may have been involved.

“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,” de Barrena-Sarobe stated. “There is viable evidence of multiple shooters in the parking lot area between the football stadium and the International Cultural Center, where the Lincoln University Police Department is housed.”

Officials emphasized that the attack does not appear to have been premeditated, but rather stemmed from a confrontation that escalated during the large outdoor gathering.

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and Lincoln University Police Department are jointly leading the investigation.

Authorities are urging anyone with information, photos, or videos from the event to come forward to assist investigators.

Founded in 1854 as The Ashmun Institute, Lincoln University is recognized as the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

The school counts among its distinguished alumni U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Baseball Hall of Famer Monte Irvin, and Namibian Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa.

At a press briefing, Lincoln University Chief of Police Marc Partee expressed heartbreak over the tragedy.

“This was meant to be a joyous occasion — a time when alumni return to celebrate, reconnect, and give back to their alma mater,” Partee said. “Instead, that joy was interrupted by senseless gunfire. We are deeply concerned for our students, alumni, and guests who had to endure this traumatic experience.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the incident on social media, saying, “I’ve been briefed on the shooting at Lincoln University tonight, and my Administration has offered our full support to President [Brenda] Allen and local law enforcement. Please avoid the area, follow police guidance, and join Lori and me in praying for the Lincoln University community.”

The university was briefly placed on lockdown as a precaution. The order was lifted after officials determined there was no active threat to campus safety.

In a statement posted to Instagram, Lincoln University announced that counseling and support services would be available to students and staff beginning Sunday morning. Earlier that day, the campus had hosted its annual homecoming football game between the Lincoln Lions and the Elizabeth City State Vikings, followed by festivities that drew alumni, students, and visitors from across the region.

“Please join me in praying for the students and faculty of Lincoln University, as well as the brave members of law enforcement on the scene,” wrote Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe on Facebook. “It appears there has been a mass shooting there tonight.”

The investigation into the Lincoln University homecoming shooting remains active.

Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Chester County Detectives or Lincoln University Police immediately.