Panic at USC: Active Shooter Report Locks Down Thomas Cooper Library
Columbia, S.C. — Fear gripped the University of South Carolina late tonight as alarms blared across campus and reports of an active shooter at the Thomas Cooper Library spread like wildfire. Students huddled in darkened rooms, barricading doors with chairs and desks, while messages of desperation and reassurance filled social media feeds.
What began as a normal night of studying quickly descended into chaos. The university issued emergency alerts urging students and staff to “Run. Hide. Fight.” — a chilling reminder of the grim reality that schools across America prepare for but hope never to face.
A Campus on Edge
Eyewitnesses inside the library described scenes of confusion and fear. “People dropped everything and ran,” one student said. “We pushed tables against the doors and just waited for updates on our phones.”
Sirens echoed across Columbia as local police, SWAT teams, and campus security flooded the area. Roads around the university were immediately sealed off, and helicopters hovered above, casting searchlights on the tense scene below.
Meanwhile, parents and family members turned to Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, desperate for confirmation that their loved ones were safe.
What Authorities Have Confirmed So Far
Location: Reports of shots fired at Thomas Cooper Library.
University Alerts: Shelter-in-place orders were issued.
Law Enforcement: A heavy police presence remains on campus.
Status of Suspect(s): No confirmation yet on arrests, suspects, or casualties.
Officials have urged everyone on and around campus to remain indoors until the all-clear is given.
Unanswered Questions
The biggest question remains: was this a genuine attack, or a terrifying false alarm? Until authorities piece together the timeline, the USC community remains gripped by uncertainty.
University officials stressed that updates will be released only when details are verified, warning against the spread of misinformation online.
Conclusion
The active-shooter scare at the University of South Carolina has plunged the campus into fear and confusion, as families, students, and faculty await answers. Regardless of how the facts unfold, the incident underscores just how fragile the sense of security can be in public spaces — and how quickly ordinary life can unravel in the shadow of violence.