Carolina Alert: Active Shooter Reported on University of South Carolina’s Columbia Campus
The University of South Carolina has issued a Carolina Alert after reports of an active shooter on the Columbia campus. Students, staff, faculty, and visitors are being urged to take immediate precautions as law enforcement responds to the unfolding emergency.
Current Situation
According to the alert, the university community is instructed to avoid the area immediately. Anyone in the vicinity of the reported incident is urged to either evacuate safely or shelter in place by barricading themselves in a secure location. Officials stress that individuals should prepare to defend themselves if directly confronted by the suspect.
Public safety officers and local law enforcement agencies have mobilized quickly to secure the campus and locate the individual involved. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more details become available.
Safety Instructions from USC Officials
The Carolina Alert system has emphasized the following steps for all individuals on campus:
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Avoid the Area: Stay away from the reported location of the incident until officials confirm it is safe.
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Evacuate or Shelter in Place: Those able to leave the area safely should do so immediately. Others should remain indoors, lock or barricade doors, and silence phones and devices to avoid detection.
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Defend Yourself if Necessary: As a last resort, community members are urged to fight back if directly confronted by the shooter.
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Follow Public Safety Commands: Law enforcement officers are actively responding—students and staff must comply fully with their instructions.
Community Response
Reports indicate scenes of fear and urgency across campus as students and faculty members take protective measures. Many classrooms and offices have been locked down, and social media posts from students sheltering in place have begun to circulate, asking for prayers and safety for everyone on campus.
Emergency vehicles, including police cruisers and ambulances, have been seen rushing to the Columbia campus, underscoring the seriousness of the threat.
What Comes Next
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact location of the shooter, the number of suspects involved, or whether there have been any injuries. This is a developing and active situation, and official updates from the University of South Carolina Police Department (USCPD) and other responding agencies are expected soon.
Official Reminder
The University of South Carolina urges everyone to remain calm but vigilant. Do not approach the area of concern, do not spread unverified information, and continue monitoring official Carolina Alerts, university emails, and verified law enforcement channels for instructions.
