False alarm at University of South Carolina sparks active shooter scare

An active shooter alert at the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus on Sunday proved to be a false alarm. Police found no evidence of gunfire or injuries, though the campus was locked down for hours. Representative Nancy Mace faced criticism after sharing a misleading video of a supposed suspect.

Reports of an active shooter at the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus on Sunday evening triggered panic and a shelter-in-place order before officials confirmed it was a false alarm. The initial alert, issued around 6:40 p.m., identified the Thomas Cooper Library as the site of the reported threat.

University police said there was no evidence of a shooter or injuries, but the campus remained under lockdown as officers conducted building searches. Authorities described the reported suspect as a tall white male wearing black pants, though no confirmation of such an individual was found.

The heavy police presence around the downtown Columbia campus highlighted the seriousness of the response. A university spokesperson said the alert was based on an unconfirmed report but stressed that safety protocols had to be followed until the situation was fully assessed.

Adding to the confusion, Republican Representative Nancy Mace shared a video online claiming it showed the suspected gunman. The footage, however, was quickly debunked as it depicted a person holding an umbrella, not a firearm. The congresswoman faced backlash for spreading misinformation during an already tense situation.

The University of South Carolina urged students, faculty, and staff to remain vigilant while reaffirming that no shooter had been identified. Police are continuing to investigate the source of the initial report.

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The incident comes amid heightened sensitivity to campus security across the United States, where schools and universities frequently conduct drills and emergency planning for potential active shooter situations. Although the USC alarm turned out to be false, officials said the rapid response reflected a commitment to community safety.