A troubling surge in violent incidents and threats directed at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) is causing alarm among students, faculty, and specialists. Reports of shootings and hoax threats have been emerging from campuses nationwide, prompting a reevaluation of safety measures.
Last month, gunfire erupted near two HBCUs, compelling administrators to urgently bolster security in response to the violence. These incidents have sparked a dialogue on the safety of these academic institutions.
During Howard University’s annual homecoming event on October 24, a shooting near the campus in Washington, D.C. resulted in injuries to a woman, three men, and a teenage boy. Although none of the victims were Howard students, one was reportedly enrolled at Morgan State University in Maryland.
In connection with the Howard University shooting, police apprehended two 19-year-olds and seized three firearms. Authorities have indicated the possibility of additional suspects being involved.
On the same weekend, a separate shooting at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania claimed one life and left six others injured. Law enforcement officials have detained a suspect linked to this tragic event.
The recent violence has amplified concerns about the safety and security of HBCU campuses, leading to heightened vigilance and a call for more comprehensive protective measures.
“The sad commentary is, in these communities, you’re finding that there are individuals who are armed and also enjoy athletic events,” criminal and civil trial attorney Ted Williams, a former police officer in the capital, told Fox News Digital. “They are armed with guns and decide to attend these athletic events, and they also bring their guns with them.”
Additionally, a shooting at South Carolina State University’s homecoming killed a 19-year-old visitor and injured another attendee, according to Inside Higher Ed. The shooter was reportedly not a student at the university.
A shooting occurred at Hugine Suites, a student residency hall on South Carolina State University’s campus in Orangeburg, S.C., on Oct. 4, 2025. (Google Maps)
Another incident involving three individuals being arrested at Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana’s homecoming after they were allegedly caught carrying guns on campus, the outlet reported. One individual reportedly fired a weapon, though no one was injured.
“These are individuals who are outside of the college community itself, [and] are creating problems and havoc for individuals who just want to go to one of these athletic events that are occurring on a HBCU campus without being shot,” Williams said. “It’s very puzzling.”
Two additional HBCUs – Jackson State University and Alcorn State University – also reportedly saw shootings break out at their homecoming events, with one person being fatally shot at Alcorn State.
A juvenile was shot at Jackson State University on Oct. 11, 2025. (iStock)
“No one should have to live this way, but we do have thugs out here who attend these HBCU events and they’re hell-bent on creating havoc,” Williams said.
In addition to the various homecoming shootings on HBCU campuses, several schools have fallen victim to swatting hoaxes aiming to foster confusion and chaos among the community.
Swatting is the act of falsely reporting an emergency – such as a bomb threat or school shooting – in an attempt to prompt a large law enforcement response.
According to a UNCF study, HBCUs disproportionately receive more threats than other institutions throughout the country. Over the last three years, HBCUs received 76 threats, ultimately impacting 51 of the 101 institutions and halting campus operations while officials looked to identify the unknown threat.
In light of the uptick in threats and seemingly random acts of violence on HBCU campuses, many schools have opted to increase security in an effort to keep students safe.
Since 2022, numerous campuses have added new safety features – such as 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.
The moves can help officials keep track of who is coming on and off campus as the vast majority of instances involve perpetrators who are unaffiliated with the school.
“The only deterrence that’s going to be acceptable is for HBCU law enforcement to marry up with local law enforcement officers and try to bring a stop to these kinds of [incidents],” Williams told Fox News Digital.
Williams pointed to schools potentially using magnetometers at events, while employing additional law enforcement to patrol the perimeter of large gatherings.
However, the threat to personal safety while attending college can linger in the back of a student’s mind, potentially stoking fear among those who are just trying to earn their education.
“The fact that HBCU college students cannot attend an event without fear is harming their educational experience,” Williams said. “I think that it is devastating to a young college student, or their parents and relatives and friends who want to be able to go to these HBCU events and not be killed, shot, maimed or injured – and that is not happening right now.”
