University of South Carolina warns students of active shooter near library at Columbia campus
Aug 24, 2025, 4:14 PM | Updated: 7:14 pm
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Students at the University of South Carolina received an alert on Sunday about a possible active shooter near a library on the main campus in Columbia.
The school sent the alert shortly after 6:45 p.m. ordering students to evacuate the area near the Thomas Cooper Library, seek shelter and barricade themselves if necessary.
The alert describes a white male suspect, approximately 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall, wearing black pants.
“Defend yourself if you encounter the suspect,” the alert states. “Obey public safety officials’ commands.”
The alert did not confirm that a shooting occurred.
Approximately 38,000 students attend the school in the heart of the city that’s home to nearly 145,000 people.
