University of South Carolina Campus Briefly Gripped by Active Shooter Scare, All-Clear Issued

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A tense afternoon unfolded at the University of South Carolina's Columbia campus recently, as students and faculty were plunged into alarm by an active shooter warning. The incident, which prompted a swift, campus-wide shelter-in-place order, saw a significant law enforcement response before ultimately being declared a false alarm.

The initial alert was issued just before 1:30 p.m. ET, warning of a potential active shooter in the vicinity of the Thomas Cooper Library, a central hub for students. University officials immediately deployed their emergency alert system, urging everyone on campus to seek shelter, lock doors, and stay away from windows.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including campus police and city officers, quickly converged on the scene, securing the area around the library and initiating a thorough sweep. Students and staff recounted moments of fear and uncertainty as they followed safety protocols, barricading themselves in classrooms and offices, awaiting further instructions.

For over an hour, the campus remained on high alert. However, after an extensive search and investigation, authorities confirmed that there was no active threat. No shots were fired, no suspect was found, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. The university community breathed a collective sigh of relief when the "all clear" message was broadcast around 2:45 p.m. ET, allowing normal activities to gradually resume.

University leadership later praised the rapid and coordinated response of law enforcement and the exemplary adherence to safety procedures by students and faculty, which ensured everyone's well-being during a moments of high stress. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and quick thinking in emergency situations.