URGENT UPDATE: An active shooter was reported on the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus near the Thomas Cooper Library earlier today. Authorities have just confirmed that there is currently no evidence of an active shooter on the premises, prompting officials to issue an all-clear notification.
At 7:13 p.m., the university alerted students and staff via Carolina Alert, advising them to continue sheltering in place. The message stressed the importance of avoiding the area and following public safety officials’ commands. “Please evacuate or seek safe shelter and barricade yourself until further notice,” the alert stated.
The suspect was initially described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing black pants, and believed to still be in the vicinity. As police searched the affected buildings, individuals on campus were urged to defend themselves if they encountered the suspect, highlighting the serious nature of the situation.
Public safety officials are actively on the scene, working to ensure the safety of all individuals on campus. Additional safety measures and updates can be found on the university’s emergency procedures page.
As the situation unfolded, students and faculty were left shaken by the alarming reports. One student shared, “I was in class when we got the alert. It was terrifying to think there could be a shooter nearby.”
While the immediate threat has now been resolved, the university advises everyone to remain vigilant and monitor local media for ongoing updates.
For real-time information, please visit the university’s emergency alert site at www.sc.edu/CarolinaAlert. This developing story reminds us all of the critical importance of safety protocols and the swift response of law enforcement in emergencies.
Stay tuned for further updates as authorities continue to review the incident.
