Update: USC says videos claiming to show suspect with gun are false

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) –UPDATE: University officials say videos circulating on social media claiming to show a suspect carrying a gun are false.

Officials say Sunday night’s incident remains under investigation.

USC officials say the campus  is operating normally and Thomas Cooper Library will reopen at 7:30am Monday.

Students who wish to receive emotional support resources should contact the Office of Student Health and Well-Being.

UPDATE: University officials have given the all clear allowing students to return to campus. Read the full statement below

Carolina Alert: ALL CLEAR. ALL CLEAR. There is no ongoing emergency at this time; you no longer need to shelter in place. The Thomas Cooper Library building remains closed until further notice. Public safety officials are on the scene. Obey public safety officials’ commands. Additional safety information can be found at https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/law_enforcement_and_safety/emergency-procedures/active-shooter/index.php. Please monitor www.sc.edu/CarolinaAlert and local media for more information and updates.

The University of South Carolina has sent out an updated Carolina alert stating there is no evidence of an active shooter.

You can read the updated alert from USC below:

Carolina Alert: No evident of an Active Shooter at this time. Police are searching affected buildings. Please continue to shelter in place until there is an all clear. Avoid the area. Evacuate the area or seek safe shelter and barricade yourself in a safe area as necessary until further notice. Defend yourself if you encounter the suspect. Obey public safety officials’ commands. Public safety officials are on the scene. Additional safety information can be found at https://sc.edu/about/offic

08/24/2025 7:11 pm

Earlier Sunday evening a campus alert was sent stating there was an active shooter. Again, that alert was updated about an hour later with No evidence of an active shooter.

Carolina Alert:

The University of South Carolina has sent out a campus wide alert stating there is an active shooter at the Thomas Cooper Library.

The suspect is described as a 6 ft tall white male with black pants.

Officials are asking everyone to avoid the area. “Evacuate/barricade/defend yourself.”

Multiple police departments are responding to the area.