South Carolina State University is currently on lockdown in response to reports of gunfire that occurred on Saturday evening. The shots were reportedly heard from Hugine Suites on the campus, confirmed by the university’s Department of Public Safety. Students residing on campus have been instructed to return to their residence halls, while those living off-campus have been advised to vacate the premises, as per live5news.com.
Congresswoman Nancy Mace expressed her concern via Twitter, urging everyone at South Carolina State University to stay safe and follow law enforcement guidance as they address the shooting incident. She extended her sympathy to the students, faculty, and families impacted by the situation.
The university website posted an alert stating that the campus is under lockdown due to the shooting incident, leading to the cancellation of the Homecoming concert scheduled for that night. Officials have urged individuals who are not current students to refrain from coming to campus. Public Safety has requested the State Law Enforcement Division to investigate the matter, specifically focusing on Hugine Suites residents and instructing them to report to SHM. Those in other residence halls are advised to return to their rooms, while off-campus residents are advised to leave the campus.
As of now, no formal statement has been released by officials regarding the incident. Details about the potential gunman or any casualties have not been disclosed. Senator Tim Scott mentioned that his office is closely monitoring the situation and offered prayers for the safety of everyone on campus, according to the Mirror US.
Situated in Orangeburg, South Carolina State University previously experienced a lockdown in February 2024 due to reported gunshots. The university confirmed that there were no injuries during that incident, and the situation was swiftly resolved within an hour, with a suspect apprehended and charged.
Sam Watson, a university spokesperson, stated that campus police responded promptly to reports of shots fired in an academic building, leading to the arrest of the suspected shooter. The individual was identified as SC State sophomore Rolanda J. Ifill, 19, from Charleston, South Carolina, and was charged by the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety for carrying a firearm on school premises.
