Introduction to the Incident
University of South Carolina Active-Shooter Scare
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The University of South Carolina has given the all-clear after issuing an alert Sunday about a possible active shooter near a library on the main Columbia campus, just days after false reports of active shooters at Villanova University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga led to panic and temporary lockdowns as they kicked off their fall semesters.
Details of the Incident
Emergency Response and Investigation
South Carolina students were told to shelter in place Sunday while police investigated an unconfirmed report of an active shooter near the library. Officials later said there was no evidence of a shooter, and there were no reports of any shots being fired.
University spokesperson Jeff Stensland said there were two minor injuries related to the evacuation of the library building.
“There have been false gunfire reports at universities across the country in recent days and tonight’s incident remains under investigation,” the school said in a statement.
Alerts and Evacuation
Student Safety and Protocol
The school sent an alert of a possible shooter shortly after 6:45 p.m., ordering students to evacuate the area near the Thomas Cooper Library, seek shelter and barricade themselves if necessary.
It was followed by another alert saying there was no evidence of an active shooter “at this time. Police are searching affected buildings. Please continue to shelter in place until there is an all clear.”
Context and Precedents
Recent Incidents at Other Universities
Approximately 38,000 students attend the University of South Carolina in the heart of the state capital, home to nearly 145,000 people.
The alerts and uncertainty about a shooter search came after the false reports of active shooters at Villanova University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
In Pennsylvania, someone called 911 reporting a shooter in a Villanova law school building with at least one wounded victim. Students received texts from the school’s alert system, but the school’s president later said it was a hoax.
In Tennessee, the university locked down its campus, telling students: “Possible active shooter in the University Center or Library. Run. Hide. Fight. More info forthcoming.” The lockdown was lifted after multiple law enforcement agencies responded. School officials said there was no evidence of any threat.
Conclusion
Aftermath and Lessons Learned
The incident at the University of South Carolina, along with the recent false reports at Villanova University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for accurate and timely communication during such events. It also underscores the challenges universities face in balancing student safety with the potential for false alarms and the disruption they cause.
FAQs
- Q: What happened at the University of South Carolina?
A: The university issued an alert about a possible active shooter near a library on the main Columbia campus but later gave the all-clear after finding no evidence of a shooter. - Q: Were there any injuries?
A: Yes, there were two minor injuries related to the evacuation of the library building. - Q: What other universities recently experienced similar incidents?
A: Villanova University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga had false reports of active shooters, leading to temporary lockdowns. - Q: How many students attend the University of South Carolina?
A: Approximately 38,000 students attend the university. - Q: What was the response of the university during the incident?
A: The university sent alerts ordering students to evacuate the area, seek shelter, and barricade themselves if necessary, and later informed them that there was no evidence of an active shooter.
