Columbia, South Carolina, August 26, 2025
News Summary
An active shooter alert at the University of South Carolina turned out to be a swatting hoax, leading to panic on campus. Reports of gunfire at the Thomas Cooper Library prompted immediate action from local law enforcement. After searching the premises, police confirmed no evidence of a shooter. Fortunately, two students suffered only minor injuries during the evacuation. This incident raises serious concerns about campus security as it is part of a troubling trend of swatting incidents affecting educational institutions.
Columbia, South Carolina – An active shooter alert at the University of South Carolina (USC) on August 24, 2025, has been confirmed to be a swatting hoax, causing panic among students and faculty. The USC Police Department received reports of gunfire at the Thomas Cooper Library around 6:30 p.m., prompting immediate action from law enforcement agencies.
The initial distress calls were made by an unknown male, with background noise that mimicked sounds of gunfire. In response, the university quickly issued an urgent alert advising students and parents to avoid the area and to shelter in place. Approximately 40 minutes later, at 7:10 p.m., another alert was issued stating there was no evidence of a shooter, and police continued their search for safety. An ‘all clear’ was eventually declared at 8:05 p.m. after a thorough inspection of the library.
During the incident, two students experienced minor injuries related to the evacuation and were treated in a nearby hospital, but have since been released. Despite the confusion and potential risks involved in the alert, USC police confirmed there was no indication that the calls originated from the campus.
The response to the incident involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, State Law Enforcement Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Following the hoax, law enforcement has continued to investigate the calls in coordination with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
This is not the first time USC has faced such a situation. In October 2022, a previous swatting incident impacted several K-12 schools across South Carolina. Furthermore, swatting incidents have also been reported at Villanova University and the University of Tennessee during the same week as the USC event, raising concerns regarding campus security. This has led to public discussions, including comments from U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace regarding the safety of educational institutions.
Videos and images circulated on social media during the incident, creating further confusion among those following the news. Some clips misrepresented the situation, such as one depicting a USC student holding an umbrella, who was not involved with the emergency. Following the incident, the library remained closed for further investigation but reopened the next morning.
USC officials praised law enforcement for their swift and professional response during the crisis. The ongoing investigation aims to bring the responsible parties to justice and prevent future incidents.
FAQ
What was the incident at the University of South Carolina on August 24, 2025?
The incident involved reports of gunfire at the Thomas Cooper Library, which turned out to be a swatting hoax.
How did the university respond to the active shooter alert?
The university issued alerts advising students and parents to avoid the area and shelter in place while law enforcement searched for any threats.
Were there any injuries reported during the incident?
Yes, two students suffered minor injuries during the evacuation but were treated and released from the hospital.
What is swatting?
Swatting involves making a false report to emergency services to provoke an armed response, often resulting in a significant law enforcement presence at the location.
Which agencies were involved in the response to this incident?
The response involved the USC Police Department, Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, State Law Enforcement Division, FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Is there an ongoing investigation into the hoax calls?
Yes, the investigation into the hoax calls is ongoing in coordination with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
Key Features of the Swatting Hoax Incident at USC
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 24, 2025 |
| Location | Thomas Cooper Library, University of South Carolina |
| Type of Incident | Swatting Hoax |
| Immediate Response | Urgent alert to avoid area and shelter in place |
| Injuries | Two minor injuries from evacuation |
| Law Enforcement Involvement | Multiple agencies including FBI and local police |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WLTX
- USA Today
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Swatting
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Safety
- WYFF4
- Google Search: University of South Carolina active shooter
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