South Carolina: USC Campus All-Clear After False Shooter Report

COLUMBIA, S.C.  The University of South Carolina issued an all-clear Sunday evening after reports of an active shooter at the Thomas Cooper Library led to a campus-wide shelter-in-place order.

The alert was first sent through the university’s Carolina Alert system at 6:30 p.m., warning students and staff of a possible threat. Authorities later clarified that the report was based on what they called “a credible source,” but a search of the area revealed no evidence of a shooter.

By 7:48 p.m., the university issued an update stating that no shots had been fired and no serious injuries were reported. A few students sustained minor injuries during the evacuation process and were treated at the scene by emergency medical services, officials confirmed.

At approximately 8 p.m., the university lifted the shelter-in-place order, declaring the campus safe. Thirty minutes later, a final update confirmed that law enforcement “uncovered no evidence that a shooting occurred” after a thorough investigation of the library and surrounding areas.

University officials expressed gratitude to students and staff for their calm response and cooperation during the incident. “We wish to thank our students and staff who were near the scene for their vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement during this incident,” the university said in a written statement.

Although the Thomas Cooper Library and adjacent areas remained closed for the remainder of Sunday as a precaution, the university confirmed the facility would reopen on its regular schedule at 7:30 a.m. Monday.

The incident prompted a strong law enforcement presence on campus, with university police supported by local authorities to secure the area and reassure students. The quick response was part of the university’s established safety protocol designed to minimize risk in potential emergencies.

No arrests were made, and the source of the initial report remains under review.

The University of South Carolina, home to more than 35,000 students, is located in downtown Columbia. While the situation caused understandable alarm, officials emphasized that campus operations will continue as normal.

This event follows a series of heightened safety alerts issued at universities nationwide in recent months, reflecting broader concerns about campus security and the importance of rapid emergency communication systems.

With the all-clear confirmed, classes and campus activities are scheduled to proceed without disruption.