Columbia, South Carolina, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina faced a serious swatting hoax when false reports of an active shooter at the Thomas Cooper Library led to a significant law enforcement response. Students were alerted to shelter in place as police cleared the library. Fortunately, no injuries from an actual shooter were reported, though two students sustained minor injuries during the evacuation. Officials condemned the use of social media misinformation during the incident and emphasized the dangers of such hoaxes.
Columbia, South Carolina: Swatting Hoax Leads to Active Shooter Alert at University of South Carolina’s Library
On Sunday evening, the University of South Carolina (USC) experienced a swatting hoax that prompted a significant response from law enforcement. Reports of an active shooter at the Thomas Cooper Library triggered an urgent alert to students to shelter in place, but no injuries were reported and no actual shooter was found.
USC police received two separate calls concerning gunfire at the library at precisely 6:30:42 p.m. and 6:32:20 p.m. The calls came from an unidentified male who used background noise that imitated the sound of gunfire to convince the authorities of the situation’s severity. In response to the alarming reports, USC quickly deployed protocols to secure the area.
Students in the vicinity received an emergency alert instructing them to shelter in place. As law enforcement agencies, including the Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and federal agencies such as the FBI, arrived on the scene, they systematically cleared the library floor by floor. By 8:05 p.m., the library was deemed safe, and an “all clear” notification was issued.
During the evacuation, two students sustained minor injuries but were later released from the hospital. The urgency of the situation was underscored by a series of alerts: the first was sent out just after 6:30 p.m., indicating a potential suspect, and another alert around 7:10 p.m. clarified that there was no evidence of an active shooter.
Following the incident, university officials noted the hoax’s similarity to recent false reports made at other universities, including Villanova University and the University of Tennessee. These swatting hoaxes are designed to elicit heavy police responses and create widespread panic.
USC condemned the spread of misinformation on social media during the event. Some posts misidentified a student holding an umbrella as a potential shooter, further exacerbating confusion among students and their families. The university emphasized the importance of accurate information during emergencies and the dangers of rumors spread online.
Elected officials, including Congresswoman Nancy Mace and Attorney General Alan Wilson, expressed their concerns regarding the implications of such hoaxes on school safety and community trust.
Despite the chaos, normal campus operations resumed the following morning, and the Thomas Cooper Library reopened. The university continues to investigate the source of the false reports, although currently, there is no evidence linking the calls to the USC campus.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by swatting hoaxes and the vital need for reliable communication during crisis situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the University of South Carolina on Sunday evening?
There was a false report of an active shooter at the Thomas Cooper Library that turned out to be a swatting hoax. Law enforcement responded quickly, and there was no actual shooter found.
Were there any injuries during the incident?
Although no serious injuries were reported, two students suffered minor injuries during the evacuation but were later treated and released from the hospital.
What is swatting?
Swatting is a dangerous prank that involves making a false report to provoke a heavy police response, typically by claiming there is an active shooter or similar emergency.
How did the university respond to the situation?
USC issued immediate alerts instructing students to shelter in place, and law enforcement cleared the library to ensure safety. They confirmed that the library was safe by 8:05 p.m.
What are the broader implications of such hoaxes?
Local officials expressed concern about how swatting hoaxes can undermine safety, create panic in communities, and utilize valuable emergency resources that could be needed for actual emergencies.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Thomas Cooper Library, University of South Carolina |
| Date & Time | Sunday evening, calls received at 6:30 and 6:32 p.m. |
| Nature of Incident | Swatting hoax involving false active shooter report |
| Response Teams | USC Police, Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, FBI |
| Injuries | Two students with minor injuries |
| Status After Incident | No actual shooter found, library cleared by 8:05 p.m., normal operations resumed |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
USC Confirms No Active Shooter After Panic-Inducing Alert
Swatting Hoax Causes Panic at University of South Carolina
Gunman Kills Officer in CDC Headquarters Shooting
Tragic Shooting Near Emory University and CDC Shocks Community
Gunman Opens Fire at CDC Campus in Atlanta, Officer Dies
Army Sergeant in Custody After Shooting at Fort Stewart
Manhunt Underway for Suspect in Anaconda Bar Shooting
Incident at Haywood Mall Causes Lockdown and Panic
Shooter Remains at Large Following Fatal Columbia Shooting
Shooting Incident at Columbia Place Mall Injures One
Additional Resources
- South Carolina Daily Gazette
- Wikipedia: Swatting
- WRDW News
- Google Search: University of South Carolina swatting hoax
- WYFF4 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Active Shooter
- WACH News
- Google News: USC Active Shooter Alert
- ABC Columbia News
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
