UPDATE: Jeff Stensland, Associate Vice President for University Communications, stated that the alert came from an unconfirmed report. Officers are continuing to search and secure the area to ensure the safety of all individuals.
Per South Carolina AVP for Univ. Communication Jeff Stensland:
– Received unconfirmed report of active shooter at Thomas Cooper Library
– Law enforcement clearing building floor-by-floor
– No injuries
– No confirmation there was a shooter at the library pic.twitter.com/eEabXumscr— Julia Westerman (@JuliaWesterman) August 24, 2025
The University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus went into lockdown on Sunday evening after reports of an active shooter at the Thomas Cooper Library, according to an alert issued by the university.
Here is the alleged school shooter at USC. White male, black shorts, grey tshirt, backpack. Whatever is in his hands someone thought it was possibly a gun. It doesn’t look like a weapon. What do you think?
Video 2 people sheltering
Pic 3 Law Enforcement on scene. pic.twitter.com/tXx3xPaPcz— SLCScanner (@SLCScanner) August 24, 2025
Initial Reports Spark Lockdown and Heavy Police Response
The university’s alert system notified students and staff at 6:40 p.m. local time, urging them to shelter in place. Law enforcement quickly deployed to the scene, and a heavy police presence was seen in and around the campus area.
Urgent Carolina Alert: No evident of an Active Shooter at this time. Police are searching. Please continue to shelter in place until there is an all clear.
— Carolina Alert (@CarolinaAlert) August 24, 2025
Authorities are searching for a suspect described as a 6-foot-tall white male wearing black pants. It remains unclear whether any shots were fired during the incident.
BREAKING: Active shooter reported at Thomas Cooper Library, University of South Carolina (Columbia campus)
— Crime With Bobby (@CrimeWithBobby) August 24, 2025
USC Update: No Evidence of Active Shooter Inside Library
In a follow-up update, USC officials said there is no evidence of an active shooter inside the library, despite the initial reports. However, the shelter-in-place order remains in effect as police continue to search the area for the individual matching the description.
Campus Location and Safety Measures
The University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus is located in downtown Columbia, South Carolina, just south of the Congaree River. Officials are urging students and staff to remain indoors until further notice.
Authorities have not provided additional details on a possible motive or whether the suspect is armed.
