Tragedy Strikes at Lincoln University: One Dead, Six Injured During Homecoming Celebration in Pennsylvania
October 27, 2025 | Chester County, Pennsylvania
A night that was meant to celebrate pride, unity, and the legacy of one of America’s most historic universities turned into chaos and heartbreak. During Lincoln University’s Homecoming festivities late Saturday night, gunfire broke out, leaving one man dead and six others injured — shattering what should have been a joyful evening for students, alumni, and families.
The Incident: A Celebration Interrupted by Violence
The shooting took place around 9:30 p.m. on October 25, 2025, in the parking lot outside the International Cultural Center (ICC) building — a central part of the Lincoln University campus that also houses the university’s police department.
Hundreds of people had gathered for Yardfest, a post-football game celebration and tailgate event that traditionally marks the highlight of Homecoming weekend. Music filled the air, food stalls were busy, and students were dancing — until sudden gunfire sent the crowd running in panic.
Witnesses described a scene of confusion and terror as people screamed, dropped to the ground, and tried to flee in every direction.
“It all happened so fast,” said one student, who asked not to be named. “We were laughing one second, and the next, people were ducking and running. It was chaos.”
The Victims: One Life Lost, Six Hurt but Recovering
Authorities confirmed that Jujuan Jeffers, a 25-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was killed in the shooting. He was pronounced dead shortly after emergency crews arrived.
Six others — all between 20 and 25 years old — were injured by gunfire or during the frantic rush to escape. One of the injured is a current Lincoln University student, and another is an alumnus; the remaining victims were attendees who came to enjoy the public festivities.
Officials say all six are expected to recover, though several remain hospitalized.
“We are devastated by the loss of life and deeply concerned for those injured,” said Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe.“One moment we were laughing and enjoying ourselves, and the next, everyone was screaming, ducking, and running — it turned into complete chaos.”
Police Response and Campus Lockdown
Moments after the first shots were fired, Lincoln University Police responded from within the ICC building itself. Officers secured the scene within minutes and immediately placed the campus on lockdown, instructing students and staff to shelter in place while they searched for suspects.
The lockdown remained in effect for several hours as law enforcement from surrounding agencies — including Pennsylvania State Police, Chester County Detectives, and the FBI — arrived to assist.
Emergency responders set up triage tents nearby, treating victims and students suffering from shock. Some people were injured after being knocked over and trampled as the crowd fled the area.
One witness told local media he saw first responders performing CPR on a victim near a row of parked cars.
The Arrest: A Break in the Case
On Sunday morning, authorities announced the arrest of Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson, 24, also from Wilmington, Delaware. He was charged with carrying a concealed firearm without a license and is being held at Chester County Prison on $25,000 bail.
Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the weapon he possessed was used in the shooting. Officials believe more than one shooter may have been involved.
Forensic teams spent the following day combing the area for shell casings, weapons, and ballistic evidence. K9 units were deployed, and detectives began reviewing dozens of videos recorded by witnesses and campus surveillance cameras.
“Video evidence will be crucial,” said District Attorney de Barrena-Sarobe. “We’re piecing together every second of what happened so we can hold every shooter accountable.”
The Aftermath: A Community in Mourning
Lincoln University President Dr. Brenda A. Allen released a heartfelt statement expressing sorrow and promising transparency as the investigation continues.
“We are heartbroken that violence has taken place on our campus,” she wrote. “We remain united as a community, dedicated to healing together and offering our full support to everyone impacted by this tragedy.”
The university announced that classes are canceled on Monday to allow a “Day of Healing and Reflection.” Counseling services have been made available for students, faculty, and alumni throughout the week.
A community gathering has been scheduled for noon Monday in the Historic District to give students and staff a safe space to grieve and support one another.
Eyewitness Accounts: Panic and Pain
Students and alumni described the event as surreal — something they never thought could happen during Homecoming, a cherished celebration of school pride.
Joslyn Royster, a 2015 graduate, said she had returned to campus to reconnect with old friends.
“It was supposed to be a night of joy — food, laughter, music,” she said. “The last thing on anyone’s mind was gunfire. Now, I just feel heartbreak for my school.”
Nearby businesses, including a bowling alley, became temporary shelters for frightened students who fled the scene. Staff members at the alley said they stayed open past 2 a.m., providing coffee, food, and blankets to those seeking safety.
The Broader Response: Officials and Law Enforcement React
District Attorney de Barrena-Sarobe described the shooting as “a heartbreaking and tragic night for the entire southern Chester County community.”
“We are concerned for our students, our alumni, and every visitor who experienced this violence,” he said. “Lincoln University is a place of history and achievement — not a place for gunfire.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also addressed the tragedy, posting on social media:
“My administration is in close contact with university leadership and local authorities. We are offering every resource available to help the Lincoln community recover and bring those responsible to justice.”
A Call for Justice and Unity
Law enforcement agencies have urged anyone with information, photos, or videos from the scene to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324). Digital evidence, they said, could be the key to solving the case.
“We will not rest,” said de Barrena-Sarobe. “We will find everyone who was responsible for pulling a trigger that night.”
About Lincoln University
Founded in 1854, Lincoln University is recognized as the first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the United States. Located about 45 miles southwest of Philadelphia, it has a proud legacy of producing influential African American leaders, educators, and public servants.
Homecoming is one of the school’s most celebrated traditions — an event that unites generations of students and alumni. This year’s celebration, however, will forever be remembered not for music and joy, but for a tragedy that cut deep into the heart of its community.
Moving Forward
As Lincoln University begins the difficult process of healing, students and staff say they are determined not to let violence define their legacy.
“Lincoln has always been a symbol of strength,” said one student leader. “We’re hurting, but we’ll rise. We’ll remember those we lost, and we’ll make sure this never happens again.”
