USC students return to campus following active shooter scare
Share this @internewscast.com

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – Students at the University of South Carolina are attempting to get back to normal.

Reports of an active shooter disturbed the first week back to school for students and faculty, putting campus on lock down for hours Sunday evening.

Sunday night at around 6:30, students at USC received a text message said “Active shooter at Thomas Cooper Library on Columbia campus.”

Many students said they were told to stay put.

The university’s police force believes that the active shooter alert was part of a swatting incident, similar to those occurring at other universities recently. Still, some students are hesitant to return to campus.

“I didn’t feel safe going back today; I needed time to process,” shared Makenly Powers, a USC student who took refuge in the Thomas Cooper Library.

Classes resumed Monday and USC Police said there is no threat on campus.

“There were about eight of us upstairs. We all hit the floor because we were uncertain of what to do,” Powers recounted. “We were sending texts to our parents, saying, ‘I love you. If something happens, know that I love you,’ because it felt very real at that moment.”

No shooter was found when law enforcement searched the campus. There are a lot of students here at the library and campus, Monday.

“I’m focused on making it through my classes this week,” remarked sophomore Shaun Rhodes. “It feels like the first Monday, but with confirmation that everything is clear, I’ll treat it like a regular day.”

Not everyone agreed.

“We received six alerts about an active shooter, then suddenly it was all clear with no incident,” Powers mentioned. “First responders and law enforcement were everywhere, and now we’re expected to behave as if nothing occurred.”

Some teachers cancelled class, some said class was optional, and some said students had to show up on Monday.

“A professor mentioned it was okay if you couldn’t attend class, understanding the gravity of what happened,” said student Xavier Meares.

“I know a lot of my friends also didn’t feel safe going to class today, but their professors were like, ‘I’m still taking attendance because the university said so,'” Powers said.

The university said they are providing counseling to those need it and they are directing those students, faculty, and staff to the center for health and wellbeing.

USCPD also confirmed there were two minor injuries from the evacuation of the library, USC said both people were hospitalized and have been released.

The investigation in conjunction with SLED is still ongoing.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Two National Guard Members Critically Injured in Shooting Incident Near the White House

Two National Guard members were injured by gunfire in Washington D.C. on…

Senator Rick Scott’s Florida Residence Targeted in Thanksgiving Swatting Incident

NAPLES, Fla. – On Thanksgiving morning, U.S. Senator Rick Scott’s residence in…

Israeli Raid in Southern Syria Leaves at Least 10 Dead, Eyewitnesses Report

DAMASCUS – In a tense incident on Friday, Israeli forces entered a…

Join the Excitement: 5,000+ Runners Celebrate Milestone 20th Turkey Trot Event!

In 2005, a wave of innovation swept across the globe, marking a…

Essential Tips for a Smooth Thanksgiving Road Trip: Travel Safely and Stress-Free

Thanksgiving stands out as one of the busiest travel periods of the…

Black Friday 2023 Shopping Guide: Store Opening Times Revealed for Major Retailers

In the modern age of online shopping, Black Friday may feel like…

Energy Diplomacy: Hungary’s Viktor Orbán Meets Putin in Moscow for Strategic Talks

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a meeting with President Donald…

Feeding Tampa Bay: Empowering the Community with Hundreds of Thanksgiving Meals

In Tampa, Florida, the Norris family found themselves uncertain about how they…

Asian Markets Show Mixed Performance Amid Holiday-Thinned Trading as Wall Street Pauses for Thanksgiving

MANILA – Asian markets presented a mixed picture on Friday, with trading…

Empowering Women in Farming: Join the Livestock Conference in Greeneville on Feb. 19-20

Fern & Fable Collective Grand Opening This Friday in Jonesborough: A New Hub for Art and Community

Jonesborough, Tenn. (WJHL) — A charming new addition is coming to Jonesborough,…

Orlando Magic Serves Up Thanksgiving Breakfast for Coalition for the Homeless

ORLANDO, Fla. – Demonstrating their enduring dedication to community service, the Orlando…