The University of South Carolina lifted an active shooter alert after finding no threat, though students were hurt during evacuations.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Authorities have given the “all-clear following a reported active shooter alert sent across the campus alert system on Sunday night.
The University of South Carolina shared the alert around 8 p.m. and said there is “no ongoing emergency” at this time, though the Thomas Cooper Library remains closed.
The campus sent an active shooter alert to the campus around 6:30 p.m. through its Carolina Alert system, urging students to evacuate the area, seek shelter and barricade themselves if necessary due to a report of an active shooter. Initially, the campus was warning students and the public to stay away from the Thomas Cooper Library.
“Defend yourself if you encounter the suspect,” the alert states. “Obey public safety officials’ commands.”
Police arrived at the scene and began clearing the library floor by floor.
However, an alert around 7:30 p.m. suggested that they had yet to find evidence that a shooting had happened. Around 7:50 p.m., the campus confirmed that medical staff were treating students for injuries that had occurred as students were being evacuated from one of the locations.
Just after 8 p.m., the university said the alert had been lifted.