USC Campus “Active Shooter” Alert Deemed Swatting Hoax

COLUMBIA, S.C. - University of South Carolina (USC) officials confirmed Monday that the “active shooter” alert issued Sunday evening was the result of a deliberate swatting hoax, not an actual on-campus threat.

What Happened At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, USC Police Dispatch received two separate telephone calls reporting gunfire and an active shooter inside the Thomas Cooper Library. Both calls, placed within minutes of each other, included background audio mimicking gunshots, prompting USC’s Carolina Alert system to instruct students and staff to shelter in place and, if confronted by a suspect, to defend themselves.

Campus buildings in the library vicinity were immediately locked down, and law enforcement-comprising USC Police, Columbia Police, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)-swept the area floor by floor. No evidence of any shooting was found, and by 8:00 p.m. authorities issued an “all clear” notice.

Injuries and Campus Response During the evacuation, two students sustained minor injuries-one after striking her head and another grazing her knee-and were treated and released from a local hospital. In the aftermath, viral social-media footage showing a student carrying an umbrella sparked unfounded rumors that he was a suspect; USC later clarified he had no involvement.

University spokespersons reiterated their commitment to student safety, praising the swift interagency response and emphasizing ongoing cooperation with SLED as the swatting investigation continues.

Student Reactions Several undergraduates described chaotic scenes of panic. Freshman John Griggs recounted diving into a bush after hearing shouted warnings, while others barricaded dorm rooms or fled toward safety as sirens blared across campus. Many students expressed lingering anxiety despite reassurances from officials.

What Is Swatting? “Swatting” refers to the act of placing a fraudulent emergency call to provoke an armed law-enforcement response. Incidents have surged nationwide in recent years, leading to unnecessary danger and disruption on college campuses and beyond.

Looking Ahead USC has reopened all affected facilities and resumed normal operations. Campus police continue to investigate the origin of the calls, urging anyone with information to contact USCPD or SLED immediately.

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