UPDATE: Multiple shooters are suspected in the tragic shooting at Lincoln University late Saturday night, which resulted in the death of one man and left six others injured. Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe confirmed the shocking details during a press briefing on Sunday evening, stating that the gunfire erupted shortly before 9:30 PM during homecoming festivities near the International Cultural Center.
The deceased has been identified as Juwan Jeffers, a 25-year-old from Wilmington. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after midnight. Among the injured, one is a current student, one is an alumnus, while the others had no affiliation with the university. All victims are aged between 20 and 25 years old and are expected to survive, officials report.
During the investigation, authorities arrested Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson, a 21-year-old from Wilmington, on charges related to possessing a firearm without a license. He is currently held at Chester County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. Officials are still determining if the firearm found with Morgan-Thompson was involved in the shooting.
De Barrena-Sarobe emphasized that investigators believe there were multiple shooters but stated that they did not intend to cause a mass casualty incident. “We’re treating this as a shooting that broke out during homecoming weekend,” he explained. Evidence collection is ongoing, with investigators seeking video footage from the packed event to piece together the events leading to the chaos.
The shooting occurred during a highly attended event known as Yard Fest, which featured various student organizations. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with emergency responders facing gridlock as they attempted to reach the campus. Emergency radio communications revealed mass confusion in the aftermath, with at least six ambulances dispatched to the scene.
Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee expressed the community’s devastation, stating, “If there was another word to describe that, that’s more impactful, I would use it, but ‘devastated’ is a start.”
“This weekend at Lincoln University of PA should have been spent celebrating,”
said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who has been in contact with university officials. He extended his condolences, saying, “Lori and I are praying for the six people injured and the families sick with worry.”
Students reported confusion during the lockdown that followed the shooting, which lasted until around 1:00 AM. Many were unaware of the situation until they received a notification lifting the lockdown. Some students shared their experiences of panic and injury as they fled the area.
In response to the incident, Lincoln University announced that classes would be suspended on October 27, 2023, for a day of healing and reflection. Counseling services will be available for students and staff. The university emphasized its commitment to supporting the community during this difficult time, stating, “Gun violence happens far too often in our country, and we are heartbroken that Lincoln University and its students are among the latest victims of such senseless violence.”
As the investigation unfolds, authorities urge anyone with video footage of the incident to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324). The Chester County detectives are leading the investigation, and further updates are expected as new information becomes available.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
