South Carolina campus scare: University issues all-clear after active shooter alert; viral clip of ‘umbrella guy’ blamed for scare

Viral clip of ‘umbrella guy’ blamed for scare

The University of South Carolina has given the all-clear after a shelter-in-place order on Sunday night over stories of a attainable active shooter close to the Thomas Cooper Library. Officials later confirmed there was no proof of a gunman, and the alert was issued out of “an abundance of caution.”The first Carolina Alert went out shortly after 6:45 pm (native time), instructing college students to evacuate the library space, search shelter, and barricade themselves if mandatory. It described the suspect as a white male, about six toes tall, in black pants, with the stark message, “Defend yourself if you encounter the suspect. Obey public safety officials’ commands.”According to information company AP, college spokesman Jeff Stensland stated legislation enforcement swept the library flooring by flooring to make sure security, noting that “the original alert was sent out of an abundance of caution.” He confirmed two college students sustained minor accidents through the evacuation course of.Later, the college declared the scenario resolved. “ALL CLEAR. ALL CLEAR. There is no ongoing emergency at this time; you no longer need to shelter in place. The Thomas Cooper Library building remains closed until further notice. Public safety officials are on the scene,” the alert learn.The scare was seemingly sparked by a video circulated on-line that claimed to point out the alleged shooter carrying a protracted rifle. In actuality, the person gave the impression to be holding an umbrella whereas sporting black shorts, a inexperienced shirt, white footwear, and a backpack. Social media shortly picked up the clip, with some college students questioning why such alerts hold recurring. Others later mocked the panic by sharing a pic of the smiling alleged “University of South Carolina Umbrella Guy.”As per Newsweek, EMS handled a small quantity of college students for minor accidents through the evacuation.The episode follows a spate of comparable scares on US campuses. Just days earlier, Villanova University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga each skilled false active-shooter stories that led to panic and lockdowns. In Pennsylvania, a 911 caller falsely reported a shooter at Villanova’s legislation faculty; in Tennessee, authorities lifted a lockdown after confirming no proof of a menace.The University of South Carolina, situated in Columbia, is house to just about 38,000 college students in a metropolis of about 145,000.