COLUMBIA, S.C. — Authorities at the University of South Carolina have issued an update following earlier reports of a possible active shooter near the Thomas Cooper Library on Greene Street. Initial reports described the suspect as a white male, approximately six feet tall, wearing black pants. The university issued an emergency alert on the evening of August 24, 2025, advising students, staff, and faculty to either evacuate the area or shelter in place while law enforcement conducted a search.
As of the latest information, no evidence has been found confirming the presence of an active shooter on campus. Officials report that no shots have been fired and no injuries have been reported. Video footage circulating online shows an individual carrying an object; while some observers initially believed it to be a firearm, others have suggested it may have been an umbrella.
Despite the initial panic, authorities confirm that the suspect has been detained. Law enforcement continues to investigate to ensure there are no ongoing threats and to verify all details of the incident. The campus remains under a heightened state of alert, and university officials continue to urge caution until a formal all-clear is issued.
USC officials emphasize the importance of following official university and law enforcement alerts rather than relying on unverified social media content, which has contributed to confusion in recent hours. The emergency alert system remains active, and campus security personnel continue to monitor the area to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.
“This was a rapidly evolving situation, and the safety of our campus community is always our top priority,” a USC spokesperson said. “While there was no confirmed active shooter, we are grateful for the swift response of our campus police and local law enforcement in managing the incident.”
Authorities advise the public and campus community to remain alert, avoid the area surrounding Thomas Cooper Library, and await official updates before resuming normal activities. Photos of the suspect being detained have been shared by law enforcement to confirm that the situation is under control.
This incident underscores the challenges of managing real-time reports during potential emergencies and highlights the importance of verifying facts before drawing conclusions. Updates will continue to be provided through official USC channels as the investigation concludes.
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