A night of celebration at a Pennsylvania university was shattered by violence when a campus shooting at a homecoming event resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, according to law enforcement officials.
Fox 5 reported that a joyous reunion ended in tragedy on Saturday evening at approximately 9:30 p.m., when gunfire erupted at the Lincoln University International Cultural Center (ICC), a venue hosting a homecoming celebration attended by a large crowd of students and alumni.
At a press conference, Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe and Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee verified the casualty count as one person dead and an additional six individuals wounded by gunfire.
The District Attorney’s office also reported that several victims were hurt while attempting to escape the ensuing panic and stampede. Officials have characterized the area around the ICC as a massive and complicated crime scene.
In the immediate aftermath, the university instituted a campus lockdown to ensure safety while officers secured the area.
Although security measures have been relaxed, the investigation, which involves the District Attorney’s Office, Lincoln University Police, and Pennsylvania State Police, is ongoing, and access to parts of the campus remains restricted by police checkpoints.
No information has been released regarding a possible suspect or motive; however, federal, state and local law enforcement are conducting a rigorous investigation.
Students and staff are being asked to avoid the area around the International Cultural Center.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Chester County District Attorney’s Office or Lincoln University Police.