The University of South Carolina placed its Columbia campus under a shelter-in-place order Sunday evening after reports of an active shooter near the Thomas Cooper Library.
The warning, issued just after 6:30 p.m. ET, instructed students, faculty, and staff to avoid the area, evacuate if possible, or barricade themselves for safety.
Campus officials said the suspect was described as a white male, about six feet tall, wearing black pants, and last seen in or around the library. Police quickly swarmed the campus, securing surrounding buildings and urging anyone nearby to remain indoors until the situation was resolved.
Video claims to show the “active shooter” at University of South Carolina — described as carrying a long rifle (though it looks more like an umbrella), wearing black shorts, green shirt, white shoes, and a black backpack near the Thomas Cooper Library. pic.twitter.com/VyDDFPF0iJ
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The alert caused widespread disruption as students preparing for the week ahead rushed to find secure locations. Parents and community members also reacted with concern on social media, demanding updates and reassurance from the university.
The incident comes as universities across the nation face heightened concerns about campus safety. Just last week, Villanova University issued a similar active shooter alert during orientation events, sparking renewed debate over preparedness and security measures at higher education institutions.
As of Sunday night, officials had not released further details about potential injuries or whether the suspect had been apprehended.