UPDATE: Multiple gunmen are suspected in a shocking shooting that erupted at Lincoln University late Saturday night, resulting in one fatality and six injuries. The incident, which occurred around 9:30 p.m. during homecoming festivities, has left the community in turmoil as authorities piece together what happened.
Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe confirmed that the deceased victim, identified as Juwan Jeffers, 25, of Wilmington, succumbed to his injuries shortly after midnight. Among the six wounded, one is a current student and another an alumnus; the remaining victims are unaffiliated with the university. Fortunately, all six are expected to survive.
Officials reported that chaos ensued as gunfire rang out outside the International Cultural Center, where a large crowd had gathered for celebrations following a football game earlier that day. “It was a jam-packed event,” de Barrena-Sarobe stated during a press briefing on Sunday. “When shootings started happening, it was chaos.”
The DA indicated that investigations are ongoing and that multiple shooters were involved. However, he emphasized that these individuals did not come to the campus with the intention of causing mass casualties. Investigators are actively collecting video evidence from the crowded area and urge anyone with footage to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI.
In a significant development, Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson, 21, of Wilmington, was arrested at the scene and is currently held in Chester County Prison on a $25,000 bail for carrying a firearm without a license. The DA confirmed that testing on the firearm linked to Morgan-Thompson is still underway.
Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee expressed the community’s heartbreak, describing the event as “devastating.” He was just yards away when the shots were fired, highlighting the personal impact of the tragedy on campus safety. Emergency responders faced gridlocked conditions as they rushed to assist the injured, with multiple ambulances dispatched from neighboring counties.
The emotional toll of the shooting is evident, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro offering his condolences and support in a statement released shortly after the incident. “This weekend at Lincoln University should have been spent celebrating, not dealing with the aftermath of violence,” he remarked.
Students reported a lack of timely communication regarding the lockdown that followed the shooting. The campus was locked down until approximately 1 a.m. on Sunday, with many students left anxious and scrambling for information. A midnight post from the university confirmed that counseling services would be available for those impacted.
In response to the tragedy, Lincoln University announced that classes would be suspended on October 27, 2023, to allow for a day of healing and reflection. The university is committed to supporting its students and faculty during this challenging time, offering counseling services and encouraging the community to come together for a moment of reflection.
The investigation remains active, with Chester County detectives leading the effort. As details continue to unfold, the university community remains united in its grief and determination to heal. Authorities stress the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation as they work to ensure the safety of the campus.
As the situation develops, Lincoln University students and faculty are urged to stay informed through official communications and to participate in support services offered in the wake of this tragic event. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
