Tragedy at SC State University – Community on Alert

A quiet evening turned devastating at South Carolina State University after a fatal shooting prompted a campus lockdown and left families searching for answers.

The shooting happened Thursday night at a student residential complex on campus in Orangeburg. Authorities confirmed that two people lost their lives and another person was injured. The university quickly issued a campuswide lockdown as law enforcement secured the area and began investigating.

For students and parents alike, the hours that followed were filled with worry. Alerts urged everyone on campus to shelter in place while officers worked through the scene. By early Friday morning, the lockdown was lifted, but classes were canceled for the day as the community began to process what happened.

The investigation is now being led by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, along with campus and local authorities. Officials have not yet released the names of the victims, and details surrounding what led to the shooting remain limited as the investigation continues.

South Carolina State University, one of the state’s most historic HBCUs, holds deep meaning for generations of families across the region. Moments like this hit differently because these campuses are more than schools. They are legacy spaces, stepping stones, and second homes for so many young people building their futures.

University officials have made counseling and support services available to students, faculty, and staff. In times like this, leaning on community matters. Whether you are an alum, a current student, or a parent watching from afar, it is okay to pause, check in, and hold space for those directly impacted.

As more information becomes available, updates are expected from state and university officials. For now, the focus remains on safety, support, and honoring the lives affected by this tragedy.