US University rocked by shooting: 2 dead, campus locked down amidst security crackdown
Washington (The Uttam Hindu): America's educational institutions have once again reverberated with the sound of gunfire. Two people were tragically killed and another injured in a horrific shooting at South Carolina State University on Thursday evening. The incident has created an atmosphere of fear on the university campus. The university administration has issued an official statement confirming the news and has handed over the investigation to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Security agencies took charge
Security agencies swung into action as soon as the shooting was reported. Officers from the South Carolina State Department of Public Safety, along with the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety and the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office, are jointly patrolling the area. Security forces are keeping a close watch to prevent any further incidents. At this time, law enforcement agencies have not released any information about any potential suspects, nor have the identities of the victims been revealed.
Panic spread across campus, lockdown continued for hours
Immediately following the shooting, the entire university campus was placed on lockdown at approximately 9:15 p.m. Thursday. The severity of the situation is evident from the fact that the lockdown remained in place four hours later. The university administration stated that SLED investigators are still on scene and thoroughly investigating the incident.
Classes cancelled, counselling arranged for students
Following this horrific incident, the university administration has canceled all classes scheduled for Friday as a precautionary measure. Students and staff are in shock due to the incident, and the university has arranged for professional counselors to assist them. The administration clarified that strict restrictions have been in place on campus since Thursday night due to the shooting incident, and that the safety of students is their top priority.