HBCU shootings surge as multiple homecoming events see deadly violence

A startling rise in violent attacks and threats against Historically Black Colleges and Universities Black colleges (HBCUs) across the country are raising concerns among students, administrators and experts, as multiple shootings and fake threats have been reported across campuses.

Last month, gunfire rang out in the areas surrounding two black colleges, leaving administrators scrambling as the schools tried to beef up security in the wake of the violence.

On October 24, while Howard University was hosting its annual Homecoming event, a woman, three men, and a teenage boy were shot just steps from the campus in Washington, D.C. Although none of the victims were students, one individual was reportedly enrolled at the university. Maryland in Morgan State.

Police arrested two 19-year-old suspects and recovered three firearms in connection with the shooting. according to FOX 5. However, authorities have since said there may be more individuals involved.

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Five people were reportedly injured in a shooting near Howard University’s Homecoming party in Washington, D.C., last month. (Istock)

At the same weekend, one person was killed and six others were injured by gunfire in Lincoln University of Pennsylvaniaaccording to the authorities. A suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the shooting.

“The sad commentary is that in these communities, you find that there are individuals who are armed and also enjoying sporting events,” criminal and civil trial attorney Ted Williams, a former D.C. police officer, told Fox News Digital. “They are armed with guns and they decide to attend these sporting events, and they bring their guns with them as well.”

Additionally, a shooting at a South Carolina State University homecoming event killed a 19-year-old visitor and injured another attendee. according to Within higher education. The shooter was reportedly not a student at the university.

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A shooting occurred at Hugine Suites, a student residence hall on the campus of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on October 4, 2025. (google maps)

Another incident involved the arrest of three individuals at Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana after they were caught carrying weapons on campus, the outlet reported. One person reportedly fired a weapon, but no one was injured.

“These are individuals who are outside the college community itself, [and] “It creates problems and chaos for individuals who just want to go to one of these sporting events that are held on HBCU campuses without getting shot at. It’s very confusing,” Williams said.

Two additional black college campuses — Jackson State University and Alcorn State University — reportedly witnessed shootings at homecoming events, with one person… He was fatally shot In Alcorn State.

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A juvenile was shot at Jackson State University on October 11, 2025. (Istock)

“No one should have to live this way, but we have thugs here attending HBCU events who are intent on creating chaos,” Williams said.

In addition to the various shootings on HBCU campuses, several schools have fallen victim Multiplication tricks With the aim of causing confusion and chaos among members of society.

Swatting is the act of falsely reporting an emergency—such as a bomb threat or a school shooting—in an attempt to arouse a large group of people. Law enforcement response.

according to A study by the United Nations Children’s FundDisproportionately black undergraduate colleges receive more threats than other institutions across the country. Over the past three years, historically historically black colleges received 76 threats, ultimately affecting 51 of the 101 institutions and halting campus operations while officials looked to identify the unknown threat.

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In light of the increase in threats and seemingly random acts of violence on HBCU campuses, many schools have chosen to increase security in an effort to keep students safe.

Since 2022, many universities have added new security features – e.g Installing more cameras on campus and hiring additional police officers — while also working to strengthen their relationships with federal and local law enforcement, according to Inside Higher Ed.

These movements could help officials track who is coming on and off campus, as the vast majority of cases involve perpetrators who are not affiliated with the school.

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“The only deterrence that would be acceptable is for HBCU law enforcement to cooperate with local law enforcement officers and try to put an end to these types of crimes.” [incidents]Williams told Fox News Digital.

Williams noted the possibility of schools using magnetometers at events, with additional law enforcement hiring to patrol the perimeter of large gatherings.

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However, the threat to personal safety while attending college can linger in the back of a student’s mind, which may spark fear among those who are just trying to earn their education.

“The fact that HBCU students cannot attend an event without fear is detrimental to their educational experience,” Williams said. “I think it’s devastating for a young college student, or their parents and relatives and friends who want to be able to go to HBCU events and not get killed, shot, maimed or injured — and that’s not happening right now.”

Stephenie Price and Alexandra Koch of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.