Columbia, South Carolina, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina alerted students of a potential active shooter situation, prompting a brief evacuation. After investigation by local law enforcement, officials confirmed no evidence of an active shooter. Witness reports of gunshots led to the initial alert, but the claims were deemed false. Minor injuries occurred during the evacuation, but no serious threats materialized. The campus resumed normal operations later in the evening, and the library is set to reopen for students soon.
Columbia, South Carolina – The University of South Carolina (USC) issued an all-clear notification around 8 p.m. on Sunday, following a brief period of concern regarding an active shooter on campus. The university initially sent out an alert at approximately 6:30 p.m., warning students to evacuate or find shelter amidst the unfolding situation.
The alert described a suspect as a white man, around 6 feet tall, and dressed in black pants, reportedly seen in the vicinity. However, by 7 p.m., university officials confirmed that there was no evidence to support the claims of an active shooter.
Despite the absence of a confirmed threat, local law enforcement continued to conduct thorough searches in designated areas, particularly around the Thomas Cooper Library, which was closed during the investigation. Police found no shell casings or other markers indicating that shots had been fired in the area, according to USC Deputy Police Chief Scott Prill.
Witness accounts had sparked confusion, as individuals reported hearing sounds resembling gunshots near the campus. Additionally, rumors circulated online suggesting the presence of a suspect carrying a weapon. These claims were ultimately deemed false by university authorities, who clarified that a video circulating on social media actually depicted an individual carrying an umbrella, not a firearm.
While the situation was resolved without injury from gunfire, some students sustained minor injuries during the chaotic evacuation process. Medical personnel were on-site to assist these individuals within the campus.
Emergency responses included multiple agencies such as the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the FBI, and the Columbia Police Department, which collaborated to ensure safety on campus. By 8 p.m., the university confirmed that there was no ongoing emergency, and the campus was once again operating normally.
The Thomas Cooper Library is expected to reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, allowing students to resume their studies. For those seeking emotional support following the incident, USC advised students to contact the Office of Student Health and Well-Being for assistance.
While this incident was distressing for many, the swift response by law enforcement and university officials successfully kept the situation under control, with no serious threats ultimately materializing.
FAQ
Was there an active shooter at the University of South Carolina?
No, following investigations, officials confirmed there was no evidence of an active shooter.
What triggered the active shooter alert at USC?
Reports from witnesses who claimed to hear gunshots prompted the alert.
Were any students injured during the incident?
Some students sustained minor injuries during evacuation, but no injuries from gunfire were reported.
What actions did law enforcement take during the incident?
Multiple agencies, including the FBI and local police, responded and conducted searches of affected areas.
When will the Thomas Cooper Library reopen?
The library is scheduled to reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Monday.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
False Active Shooter Alert at USC Resolved
Swatting Hoax Triggers Active Shooter Alert at USC Library
USC Confirms No Active Shooter After Panic-Inducing Alert
Swatting Hoax Causes Panic at University of South Carolina
Additional Resources
- WSOCTV
- WLTX
- ABC Columbia
- ABC News
- The State
- Google Search: Active Shooter University of South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Shooting Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Active Shooter
- Google News: University of South Carolina Active Shooter
- SC Daily Gazette
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