The University of South Carolina briefly went on alert Sunday evening after reports of an active shooter at the Thomas Cooper Library, CNN reported. Authorities later confirmed there was no evidence of a shooter.
University spokesperson Jeff Stensland said no injuries were linked to gunfire, though a few students sustained minor injuries during the evacuation. Police thoroughly cleared the library floor by floor as a precaution.
Photos: Students evacuate after an active shooter was reported at the University of South Carolina campus https://t.co/peqb1dr3fw
— The State Newspaper (@thestate) August 25, 2025
The false alarm came hours after Villanova University in Pennsylvania received its second hoax shooter report in a week. Last Thursday, both Villanova and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga were locked down due to similar false reports.
Officials are investigating the Tennessee incident as a possible case of “swatting” — a criminal hoax where false reports lure law enforcement to a scene under the belief of a violent crime.
Authorities are continuing to investigate what prompted Sunday’s report in South Carolina.
At approximately 6:30 this evening, USCPD received a report of gunfire at the Thomas Cooper Library on the Columbia campus. A Carolina Alert was sent instructing the community to avoid the area and shelter in place. Law enforcement responded quickly to the scene.
— University of South Carolina (@UofSC) August 25, 2025
