On the evening of Saturday, October 25, 2025, a tragic shooting unfolded during a homecoming celebration at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, leaving one man dead and six others injured. The incident occurred just before 9:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the university’s International Cultural Center (ICC), where a post-football game tailgate and Yardfest event was underway. Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe revealed details of the shooting in a press conference on Sunday, describing the somber aftermath of what was meant to be a joyous occasion.
Lincoln University, a historically Black university located about 45 miles from Philadelphia in southern Chester County, had been hosting homecoming events that evening. The ICC, where the shooting took place, is also home to the Lincoln University Police Department. The event was designed to bring together students, alumni, and visitors for celebration and reconnection after the football game. However, the festive atmosphere was shattered by gunfire, causing panic and chaos among attendees.
According to District Attorney de Barrena-Sarobe, one individual, Jujuan Jeffers of Wilmington, Delaware, tragically lost his life in the shooting. In addition to Jeffers, six others were injured. Among the wounded were one current Lincoln University student and one graduate of the school. The remaining victims were not directly affiliated with the university. All victims were aged between 20 and 25 years old and, thankfully, all were expected to survive their injuries.
Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee expressed the shock and devastation felt by the university community. “This was to be a joyous occasion,” he said, emphasizing the significance of homecoming as a time for alumni to return, celebrate their memories, and give back to their alma mater. He lamented that the event was interrupted by “gunfire that should not have occurred,” highlighting the heartbreak and disruption caused by the violence.
In the immediate aftermath, the university was placed on lockdown to ensure safety and facilitate the law enforcement response. This lockdown was later lifted as authorities assessed the situation. De Barrena-Sarobe noted that the investigation was ongoing and that it was not yet clear what triggered the shooting or why shots were fired. He indicated that investigators believe multiple shooters may have been involved but reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat to the campus at this time.
One person, Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson, also from Wilmington, Delaware, was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed firearm without a license. He is currently held at Chester County Prison on $25,000 cash bail. However, the district attorney could not confirm whether Morgan-Thompson’s weapon was used in the shooting. Authorities continued their investigation into the incident, conducting a detailed grid search of the crime scene, utilizing K9 units, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing video footage captured during the event. De Barrena-Sarobe stressed the importance of video evidence in piecing together the sequence of events, describing it as “a key part of this investigation.”
Eyewitness accounts painted a picture of chaos and fear. After the shots rang out, people scattered in all directions, seeking safety. Some were trampled or knocked to the ground in the ensuing panic, requiring medical attention. CBS News Philadelphia spoke with a witness who saw a person receiving CPR at the scene, underscoring the severity and immediacy of the emergency response.
The shooting deeply affected the Lincoln University community. President Brenda A. Allen’s office issued a statement emphasizing the university’s cooperation with law enforcement and its commitment to keeping the campus informed as the investigation unfolds. Recognizing the need for healing, the university canceled classes on Monday to allow for reflection and recovery. Staff remained on campus to support students, and counseling services were made available throughout the week for students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, the president’s office invited the community to gather at noon on Monday in the Historic District for a moment of connection and healing.
Law enforcement officials reiterated their determination to seek justice for the victims. The Chester County detectives are leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI. De Barrena-Sarobe urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, highlighting the importance of digital evidence and witness testimony in holding those responsible accountable. “We are going to not stop until we are able to arrest and to find the person or people that shot all of these people at Lincoln University,” he declared.
The emotional impact of the shooting was felt beyond the university