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Shooting at South Carolina State University leaves two dead, one injured in dorm

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A shooting that occurred on the night of February 12, 2026 on the South Carolina State University campus, in Orangeburg, resulted in the deaths of two people and left a third injured. The incident happened inside a room in the Hugine Suites residential complex at around 9:15 pm local time (EST). Divisão of Aplicação of Lei of Estado of Carolina of Sul (SLED) took over the investigation of the case.

Three men were hit by the shots. One of them died at the scene, while the second victim died after being taken to a hospital in the region. The condition of the injured person has not been released by authorities at this time.

The university immediately activated the lockdown protocol, which remained in effect until 5am on February 13th. Todas classes scheduled for Friday were cancelled, and psychological counseling services were made available to students.

Incident details

The shots were recorded in an apartment in Hugine Suites, a complex used for student housing. Agentes from SLED quickly arrived at the scene and began collecting evidence. Até At this time, no suspects have been publicly identified.

The university issued warnings to students and staff through official messages. Authorities confirmed that the incident only involved the interior of the room, with no reports of gunshots in common areas of the campus.

Immediate response from the institution

The management of South Carolina State University prioritized the safety of the academic community when enacting the lockdown. Equipes local emergency services supported the actions on campus throughout the night. Isolation was suspended only after confirmation that there was no active risk.

The institution announced the suspension of teaching activities on Friday. Professores and students were advised to stay at home or in safe places.

  • Total cancellation of in-person and remote classes;
  • Provision of counselors for emotional support;
  • Constant communication via email and official app.

Profile of South Carolina State University

South Carolina State University is the only historically black public institution (HBCU) in the state of Carolina of Sul. Fundada in 1896, it maintains a tradition of excellence in higher education aimed at minorities. Atualmente, has around 2,900 students enrolled.

The university received an R2 rating from Carnegie Classification, recognized for high research activity. Essa category requires a minimum expenditure of 5 million dollars annually on research and the granting of at least 20 doctorates. The institution surpasses both criteria and attracts constant investment.

More than 30 thousand former students form the alumni network. Programas in areas such as engineering, education and agricultural sciences stand out nationally.

Investigation by state authorities

SLED conducts investigations with a team specialized in violent crimes. Perícias ballistics and witness statements are part of the initial protocol. Authorities have not released an apparent motive for the shooting.

Investigators remain on campus collecting security camera footage. Collaboration with the local police of Orangeburg speeds up the process of identifying those involved.

Recent context of campus security

The episode occurs just over four months after incidents during the October 2025 homecoming. At the time, two separate shootings left victims and led to similar isolation measures. The university has since tightened protocols.

The institution maintains partnerships with local police forces for regular patrols. Treinamentos emergency response activities are carried out periodically with students and staff. Apesar Furthermore, episodes of armed violence continue to challenge American campuses.

Measures to support the academic community

The management provided 24-hour psychological support hotlines. Grupos conversations were organized for students living at Hugine Suites. Professores received guidance to make academic delivery deadlines more flexible.

The university communicated to the families of those involved through official channels. Autoridades ask that information only be shared by trusted sources to avoid rumors.

The campus operates with partial restrictions this Friday. Atividades essential administrative tasks were maintained remotely.

History of the institution as an HBCU

The South Carolina State University emerged as a response to the need for higher education for the black population in the south of the Estados Unidos. Over the decades, it has trained leaders in various professional areas. Seu status as the only public HBCU in the state reinforces the commitment to inclusion.

Research developed at the institution receives federal and private funding. Projetos in sustainable agriculture and community health have gained recent prominence. The R2 classification places the university among the most active in scientific production in the country.

Students benefit from minority-specific scholarships. Programas exchange and internship programs complement academic training.

The Orangeburg community is closely following developments in the case. Moradores expressed solidarity with the university through public messages. Autoridades locals reinforced police presence near the campus.

The SLED investigation remains ongoing with no set deadline for completion. Novas information will be released as investigations progress.