South Carolina State University sealed off as 'gunshots heard' near student housing

South Carolina State University has been placed under lockdown following reports of gunfire on Saturday evening.

The alleged shots were heard from Hugine Suites situated on the campus, as confirmed by the university's Department of Public Safety. Students living on campus have been instructed to return to their halls of residence whilst those residing off-campus have been advised to leave the premises, according to live5news.com.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace tweeted: "Praying for everyone at South Carolina State University tonight. Please stay safe and follow law enforcement instructions as they respond to reports of a shooting on campus. Our hearts are with the students, faculty, and families affected."

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An alert on the university website reads: "The South Carolina State University campus is on lockdown following a shooting. The Homecoming concert scheduled for tonight has been canceled.

"If you are not a current student, please do not attempt to come to campus. Public Safety has asked the State Law Enforcement Division to investigate. Hugine Suites residents who are not in the complex report to SHM.

"Anyone in Hugine Suites stay put. Students in other residence halls return to your rooms. Off-campus residents, please exit the campus."

Officials have not yet issued a formal declaration regarding the incident. No information is currently available concerning a potential gunman or any casualties. Senator Tim Scott said his office is 'closely monitoring the situation' and offered his prayers for 'everyone's safety on campus,' reports the Mirror US.

South Carolina State University is situated in Orangeburg. In February 2024, the campus was locked down after gunshots were allegedly heard.

The university issued a statement regarding the matter, confirming there were no injuries and that the situation was resolved within an hour, with a suspect arrested and charged. Sam Watson, a spokesperson, penned: "South Carolina State University officials locked down the campus on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, after receiving a report of shots fired in an academic building.

"No injuries were reported. Campus Police responded and immediately subdued the suspected shooter in a foot chase, neutralizing any further threat to safety.

"The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety later charged SC State sophomore Rolanda J. Ifill, 19, Charleston, South Carolina, with carrying a firearm on school property."