It was another bloody weekend in America, as gunfire ripped through two separate gatherings — one at a historic university in Pennsylvania, and another at a house party in North Carolina — leaving at least three people dead and over a dozen wounded.
At Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, one person was killed and six others wounded late Saturday night when gunfire broke out during homecoming celebrations. Authorities said the shooting happened outside the school’s International Cultural Center, just after a football game.
“This is a devastating night,” said Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe, his voice heavy during a Sunday morning briefing. “It was a chaotic scene — people fled in every direction.”
Police said one suspect was detained at the scene with a firearm, though investigators believe there may have been another shooter. “We are investigating, with the full power of federal, state and local law enforcement,” Barrena-Sarobe added.
Officials, however, said they do not believe the attack was a premeditated mass shooting. The motive remains unclear.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said he had been briefed and offered his support to the university community. “Lincoln University holds a proud place in our state’s history,” he said on social media. “My heart goes out to the students and families shaken by this violence.”
In North Carolina, tragedy also struck early Saturday when a large house party turned into a scene of horror. Two people were killed and at least seven others remain in critical condition after gunfire erupted outside Maxton around 1:15 a.m., according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies initially responded to reports of a “loud music violation,” but as they approached, calls began flooding in — people had been shot.
At the scene, officers found Jessie Locklear Jr., 49, and Nehemiah Locklear, 16, dead. In total, thirteen people were shot. Over 150 partygoers scattered before police arrived.
“This was yet another senseless act of gun violence,” Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said. “What makes this even more disturbing is the involvement of teenagers, alcohol, and guns at a large house party.”
Wilkins said those responsible “must be held accountable,” calling the event a “reckless and heartless act.”
Several victims were rushed to Scotland Health Care in Laurinburg and UNC Health Southeastern Medical Center in Lumberton, while one was later transferred to another facility with life-threatening injuries.
Authorities said the surviving victims were between 17 and 43 years old. The sheriff’s office described the shooting as an isolated incident, assuring there was “no ongoing threat” to the community.
