GLOBAL – A weekend of homecoming celebrations at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, United States, turned tragic late on Saturday, 25 October 2025, when a shooting incident left one person dead and six others wounded. The event has triggered a large-scale criminal investigation and renewed concerns over gun violence at university gatherings across the nation.

The deceased has been identified by authorities as Jujuan Jeffers, 25, of Wilmington, Delaware. According to the Chester County District Attorney's Office, the shooting occurred at approximately 9:30 PM local time (Sunday, 26 October, 4:30 AM EAT) outside the International Cultural Center on the university's campus. The area was hosting a post-football game tailgate party, a common feature of American university homecoming weekends, with numerous tents and tables set up for alumni and students.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe described a "chaotic scene" as gunfire erupted, causing attendees to flee in all directions. In a news conference early on Sunday, 26 October, he confirmed that one person with a firearm had been detained. Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson of Wilmington, Delaware, was arrested for carrying a concealed firearm without a license and is being held on bail, though officials have not confirmed if his weapon was used in the shooting. Investigators stated they have a "strong belief" there may have been more than one shooter involved but do not believe the incident was a pre-planned mass casualty event.

The six injured victims, aged between 20 and 25, are all expected to survive. They include one current Lincoln University student, one graduate, and four individuals with no direct affiliation to the institution, according to the District Attorney. The investigation is being led by Chester County detectives with significant support from the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which has publicly appealed for any video evidence from the scene.

A Disturbing National Trend

The incident at Lincoln University, the first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the United States, is not an isolated one. It follows a concerning pattern of gun violence disrupting homecoming celebrations at other HBCUs and high schools across the country. Just one day prior, on Friday, 24 October, five people were shot near Howard University in Washington D.C. during its homecoming weekend. Earlier in the month, homecoming events in Mississippi were also marred by multiple shootings.

This spate of violence has heightened anxieties within Black communities and among HBCU alumni and students, who view these institutions as historic sanctuaries for education and cultural celebration. The recurring nature of these incidents has led to urgent calls for enhanced security measures to protect campus communities.

Official Response and Community Impact

In response to the tragedy, Lincoln University President Dr. Brenda A. Allen issued a statement expressing heartbreak over the "senseless violence." The university suspended classes on Monday, 27 October, for a "day of healing and reflection" and made counseling services available to all students, faculty, and staff. A community gathering was planned for midday to provide a space for collective healing.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed via social media that he had been briefed on the shooting and offered the full support of his administration to law enforcement and the university. Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee described the university community as "devastated" by the violence that shattered what should have been a joyous occasion celebrating the institution's legacy.

While there are no discernible direct ties to Kenya or the East Africa region—university demographic data from recent years indicates a very small international student population with no specific mention of Kenyan students—the incident underscores the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States. Such events have a significant global resonance, contributing to international perceptions of safety and security within the U.S. educational system. The investigation remains active and ongoing.