Officials claim USC was the target of a ‘swatting hoax’

Ifeyinwa Susan Francis

The University of South Carolina (USC) said the “swatting hoax” was triggered by an active shooter alert on campus.

USC on Monday, Aug 25, provided an updated statement that said the school was the target of a hoax similar to others on other college campuses in recent days.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, “swatting” is defined as “a malicious act that can involve placing false emergency calls to emergency responders, often reporting a (false) severe, ongoing crisis at a specific location.
The goal of swatting is to provoke a significant law enforcement response, creating chaos and potentially resulting in violence.”

The university said its police got two calls Sunday about an active shooter at the Thomas Cooper Library—one at 6:30 p.m. and another at 6:32 p.m. Both calls came from an unknown male with background noise that sounded like gunfire.

Officials also said that currently, there’s no evidence that the calls emanated from campus.
USC said Police responded immediately, and backup was requested from other agencies. A Carolina Alert was then issued at 6:34 p.m., ordering students to shelter in place. Buildings were also locked and students were led to safety once no threat was found as part of USC protocol.

“During the incident, we prioritized community safety. Officers responded immediately, using their training and protocols. The Carolina Alert was sent out right away to keep everyone informed. These situations demand split-second decisions with limited information. Our police officers, communications staff, and emergency management team acted quickly to protect students, faculty, and staff,” USC said in a statement.

The school also addressed rumors spread online, including videos “purporting to show a suspect carrying a firearm” that have since been deemed false.

“Footage of a USC student carrying an umbrella was posted online after the initial Carolina Alert was issued. The student had no role in the incident. Unfortunately, additional false social media reports had circulated during and after the incident,” USC said.

USC has resumed normal activities with the Thomas Cooper Library reopened as of Monday morning. Students can also receive emotional support through the USC Office of Student Health and Well-Being.

The incident of an apparent hoax remains under investigation by the school and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.