At least one person has died and six have been injured in a shooting at a university campus.
The shooting happened at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, and seven people were hit by gunfire outside the university’s International Cultural Center during homecoming celebrations after a football game, police have said.
Several people were also treated for injuries at the scene after being knocked to the ground and trampled on as people ran for cover.
Lincoln University is around 55 miles west of Philadelphia, and is described on its website as ‘the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University.’
It is understood that police have taken one person carrying a firearm into custody.
Authorities have since spoken of a ‘devastating’ night.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said (via CNN): “We’re devastated to announce tonight that one person has died, six other people have been struck by gunfire.”
He added: “This is a devastating night. It was a chaotic scene, and people fled in every direction.”
De Barrena-Sarobe went on to say that authorities are still piecing together exactly how the tragic events unfolded, as he continued to say: “We don’t have a lot of answers about exactly what happened. We are investigating with the full power of federal, state and local law enforcement.”
Police have yet to determine a possible motive for the attack, with officials also saying that they don’t believe it was a planned mass shooting, according to ABC News.
De Barrena-Sarobe said that the tragedy does not at present appear to be ‘where someone came in with the design to inflict mass damage on a college campus’.
A statement from the Chester County District Attorney said: “Local, state, and federal law enforcement are investigating the shooting at Lincoln University. At this time, seven gunshot victims have been identified.
“The public should continue to avoid the area around the University. If anyone has information about this investigation, please call 1-800-CALLFBI.”
Authorities have said that people who were hit were taken to the hospital in Delaware for treatment; however, the severity of their condition has not been confirmed.
Officials have confirmed that the campus itself is no longer under lockdown; however, the area where the shooting took place remains an active crime scene.
The university has also confirmed that counselling services will be available to anyone affected by the shooting in a post to its Instagram page.
Governor Josh Shapiro posted on social media that he had been briefed on the attack and offered his condolences to the university.
He said: “Join Lori and me in praying for the Lincoln University community.”