The University of South Carolina issues an “all clear” after reports of an active shooter near Thomas Cooper Library at its Columbia campus. Police confirmed it was a false alarm caused by a person carrying an umbrella.
University of South Carolina Issues “All Clear” After Active Shooter Reports at Columbia Campus
The University of South Carolina issues active shooter scare on Sunday evening sent shockwaves through the Columbia campus before an official “all clear” was issued. Students, staff, and parents faced tense moments as emergency alerts instructed people to shelter in place, evacuate, or barricade until police completed their investigation. What initially appeared to be a serious threat was later determined to be a false alarm.
Timeline of Events
To better understand how the incident unfolded, here is a timeline of the events on August 24, 2025, at the University of South Carolina issues Columbia campus:
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 6:30 p.m. | Emergency alert sent warning of a possible active shooter near Thomas Cooper Library. Students told to shelter in place or evacuate. |
| 6:40 p.m. | Police begin searching affected buildings on campus. |
| 7:00 p.m. | Videos circulate online of a person carrying a long black object, assumed to be a rifle. |
| 7:30 p.m. | USC police confirm investigation is ongoing, no confirmed injuries. |
| 8:00 p.m. | Deputy Chief Scott Prill clarifies the person was carrying an umbrella, not a weapon. |
| 8:05 p.m. | USC issues an “all clear,” confirming no ongoing emergency. |
Immediate Response from the University
The University acted swiftly once the University of South Carolina issues active shooter alert was reported. The emergency alert system sent messages to students’ phones, email accounts, and campus loudspeakers. The Thomas Cooper Library area was quickly surrounded by law enforcement, while students and faculty locked doors, barricaded classrooms, and evacuated where possible.
This rapid action highlights how campus safety protocols are designed to prioritize prevention, even when threats turn out to be false alarms.
The Role of Police and Emergency Services
The Columbia South Carolina police and campus law enforcement worked hand in hand. Officers swept buildings, checked classrooms, and secured open spaces.
A significant moment of clarification came when Deputy Chief Scott Prill addressed rumors spreading online. Many assumed a video of a person carrying a long object showed a rifle. Prill confirmed it was only an umbrella, which had been mistakenly identified as a weapon.
This official statement played a crucial role in calming fears and preventing misinformation from escalating.
Why the Library Remained Closed
Although the all clear was issued, the Thomas Cooper Library remained closed for the evening. USC officials stated that keeping the building shut down ensured student safety and gave authorities time to complete final checks.
This measure underscored the University’s commitment to student well-being, even after the threat was dismissed.
False Alarms and Hoaxes on U.S. Campuses
The incident at USC is not isolated. In recent months, several universities across the country have faced similar false active shooter reports:
| University | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Villanova University (PA) | August 2025 | Lockdown during orientation events, later called a “cruel hoax.” |
| Emory University (GA) | August 2025 | Campus lockdown after reports of a possible shooter, later cleared. |
| Midtown Manhattan (NY) | August 2025 | Massive police response to reports of an armed threat; determined to be false. |
These incidents show a growing pattern where false alarms or hoaxes trigger large-scale lockdowns, forcing law enforcement to mobilize instantly. While disruptive, these actions emphasize that safety is always prioritized over convenience.
The Importance of Treating All Threats Seriously
Even though the University of South Carolina issues active shooter report turned out to be untrue, university officials stressed that it is always better to be cautious. Campus police protocols require that every reported threat be treated as credible until proven otherwise.
This approach saves lives in cases where threats are real. The rise in false alarms poses a unique challenge, but the priority remains protecting students, faculty, and staff.
Student and Parent Reactions
Many students described the evening as terrifying yet reassuring. Terrifying because of the initial panic caused by emergency alerts, but reassuring in how quickly law enforcement and campus officials reacted.
Parents, some of whom were on calls with their children during the lockdown, expressed both fear and relief. The “all clear” message brought comfort, but some are now calling for stronger campus communication systems to reduce confusion during such incidents.
Broader Context: Safety Concerns Across Campuses
Campus safety has become a pressing issue across U.S. universities. With recent active shooter drills, training, and awareness campaigns, institutions are working to prepare their communities for emergencies.
The University of South Carolina lockdown will likely serve as another reminder to campuses nationwide that constant readiness is essential, even if the threat is ultimately a misunderstanding.
Table: Key Takeaways from the USC Incident
| Key Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Keyword | University of South Carolina active shooter |
| Location | Columbia, South Carolina |
| Primary Site | Thomas Cooper Library |
| Emergency Actions | Shelter in place, evacuate, barricade |
| Outcome | False alarm – umbrella mistaken for rifle |
| Final Status | “All Clear” issued at 8:05 p.m. |
Final Thoughts
The University of South Carolina issues active shooter report may have turned out to be a false alarm, but it demonstrated how quickly universities and law enforcement respond to protect students. The lockdown, alerts, and rapid police investigation show that campus safety protocols are effective when implemented properly.
While disruptive, the event reinforced the importance of taking every threat seriously. With similar incidents at Villanova, Emory, and Manhattan, this false alarm is part of a broader national conversation about campus security, emergency readiness, and the challenges of misinformation.
FAQs
Q1: What happened at the University of South Carolina issues on August 24, 2025?
Reports of an active shooter near the Thomas Cooper Library led to a campus lockdown. Police later confirmed it was a false alarm.
Q2: Was there an active shooter at USC Columbia?
No. The person reported was carrying an umbrella, not a rifle.
Q3: How long was USC under lockdown?
The lockdown lasted for about 90 minutes, from 6:30 p.m. until the all clear at 8:05 p.m.
Q4: Why did the Thomas Cooper Library remain closed after the all clear?
The library stayed closed for the night to ensure safety and allow for additional checks.
Q5: Have other universities experienced false active shooter reports?
Yes. Similar incidents have occurred at Villanova University, Emory University, and even in Manhattan, prompting large police responses.