USC Officials Say No Evidence of Active Shooter After Campus Alert
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The University of South Carolina confirmed Sunday evening that there was no evidence of an active shooter on campus, despite earlier alerts that prompted a swift shelter-in-place response.
Timeline of Alerts
According to university officials, the first alert went out at 6:34 p.m., warning of a reported shooter. Just three minutes later, at 6:37 p.m., an update identified the supposed suspect as being at the Thomas Cooper Library.
By 6:47 p.m., officials provided a description of a possible suspect — a male about six feet tall wearing black pants.
At 7:10 p.m., the university issued a follow-up alert stating there was “no evidence” of an active shooter.
No Injuries Reported
Officials confirmed there were no injuries linked to the incident. Despite the lack of evidence, students and faculty were urged to remain sheltered until an all-clear message was issued.
A university spokesperson later clarified that there were no confirmed reports of gunfire.
Campus Response
Law enforcement conducted a search of the area before lifting restrictions. The event highlighted the heightened sensitivity on college campuses across the U.S. to potential threats, even when unverified.
Students described confusion and tension during the lockdown period, as multiple alerts spread rapidly across social media.
Community members are encouraged to share their experiences and thoughts on campus safety alerts and how universities can balance caution with communication. Join the discussion at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
