Oxford, Pennsylvania — A festive homecoming event at Lincoln University was marred by tragedy this weekend when gunfire erupted, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The incident occurred outside the International Cultural Center during a gathering following the homecoming football game, transforming what was meant to be a celebration into chaos.
Chester County officials reported that 25-year-old J’Wan Jeffers of Wilmington, Delaware, succumbed to his injuries shortly after midnight Sunday. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Six additional individuals, aged 20 to 25, sustained injuries in the incident. Among them was a current student of Lincoln University and an alumnus, while others were attending the event but not affiliated with the university. Fortunately, all those injured are expected to recover.
The shooting began around 9 p.m. Saturday as attendees mingled outdoors. Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe described the event as a mass shooting, urging the community to support the university’s students, staff, and local law enforcement during this challenging time.
Authorities believe that multiple shooters were involved. Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe stated that initial findings suggest chaos erupted without a predetermined intent to cause mass harm. “This appears to be an uncontrolled situation that arose during a community event,” he shared during a news conference.
Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson, also from Wilmington, was apprehended at the scene with a loaded Glock 28 handgun. He faces charges for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. Reports indicate that he admitted to transporting the firearm from Delaware, claiming it belonged to his mother. He is currently detained on $25,000 bail at Chester County Prison. Investigators have not confirmed whether his weapon was used in the assault.
In the aftermath, law enforcement, including FBI personnel, conducted thorough searches of the area and utilized canine units while ongoing ballistic tests are being performed to gather evidence.
Lincoln University President Brenda Allen condemned the violence as “senseless,” expressing deep sorrow for the victims of gun violence that continues to plague communities nationwide. Classes were suspended for the following Monday, designated as a “day of healing and reflection,” with campus facilities remaining open for counseling and mental health support.
Witness accounts illustrate the panic among attendees, describing scenes of stampedes as people fled the area. “There was no explanation for the chaos as we were all trying to get away,” recounted Ajia Hopkins, who was present for another festival event. Fellow attendee Dahjai Rogers noted that while she and her friends were physically unharmed, several of those in their group suffered falls during the escape.
This incident at Lincoln University, recognized as the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU), follows another shooting near Howard University in Washington, D.C., just a day earlier, where five people were injured.
In response, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro extended the state’s support to both the university and local law enforcement. He encouraged the public to stay away from the area and to heed any guidance from officials, while also calling for prayers for the affected community.