Columbia, SC — Officials have confirmed an ‘All Clear’ after an alarming report of an active shooter at the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus earlier this week, highlighting the growing concerns around campus safety and the rapid spread of unverified threats.
Initial Alert Sparks Evacuation
The incident began when Carolina Alert, the university’s emergency notification system, sent out a warning indicating an active shooter at the Thomas Cooper Library. Students and staff immediately responded by following evacuation protocols, moving to safe areas across campus.
Minutes after the initial notification, the university updated the alert, stating:
“There is no evidence of an active shooter, but police remain on scene to search the affected areas.”
While authorities have not confirmed whether a shooting actually occurred, emergency services remained on-site to address minor injuries sustained during the evacuation.
Campus Reopens and Library Remains Closed
Officials announced that there is no longer a need to shelter in place, though the Thomas Cooper Library will remain closed until further notice. Authorities emphasized that the campus community’s safety remains the top priority and that law enforcement continues to monitor the area closely.
- EMS treated several students for minor injuries during the evacuation.
- The campus is now fully operational except for the affected library area.
Recent Surge in False Active Shooter Reports
This incident follows a series of hoaxes at universities across the country. Just days prior, Villanova University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga both went into lockdown due to false reports of an active shooter. Officials confirmed these events were hoaxes, stressing the challenges universities face in distinguishing real threats from misinformation.
“False reports not only disrupt campus life but also place unnecessary stress on students and emergency personnel,” stated campus authorities, underscoring the importance of verifying information before responding to alerts.
Authorities Urge Calm and Vigilance
Police and university officials are urging students, staff, and faculty to:
- Follow official notifications carefully and avoid relying on social media for real-time information.
- Report suspicious activity immediately to campus security.
- Stay informed about the university’s emergency procedures to ensure safety during potential threats.
The University of South Carolina continues to work closely with local law enforcement to maintain vigilant security measures across campus and ensure timely responses to any genuine incidents.
What are your thoughts on false active shooter alerts on college campuses? Share your opinions in the comments below.
