Shooting at the University of South Carolina leaves two dead and closes the campus

A shooting that occurred Thursday night at South Carolina State University left two people dead and one more injured, after an attack that occurred inside an apartment in the Hugine Suites residential complex.

The incident forced the immediate closure of the campus at 9:15 p.m. local time and the activation of emergency protocols. University authorities ordered the suspension of all academic activities while law enforcement secured the area.

CAMPUS CLOSED AND WITHOUT DETAINEES

In an official statement, the university reported that so far the identity of the victims or the state of health of the injured person have not been confirmed. Neither has the arrest of any suspect been reported nor have details been given about the possible motive for the attack.

The campus remains under police guard and classes scheduled for Friday were canceled as a preventive measure. The lack of accurate information has generated uncertainty among students and families, who wait for official updates.

The institution reiterated its commitment to the safety of the student community and asked to remain calm while the investigations progress.

RECURRENT ARMED VIOLENCE

The attack adds to a chain of episodes of armed violence in educational centers in the United States. According to the Gun Violence Archive, during 2025 more than 600 mass shootings were recorded in the country, several of them in schools and universities.

The recurrence of these events has intensified the debate about gun regulation and security measures on university campuses. While some states have tightened their laws, others have expanded carry rights, reflecting a deep political and social divide.

A DEBATE WITHOUT CONSENSUS

Gun policy in the United States is marked by the constitutional protection of the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms. Attempts at federal regulation often face legislative resistance and pressure from arms industry advocacy groups.

In 2025, states such as Colorado approved restrictions on semi-automatic weapons, including a ban on the manufacture and sale of AR-15-type rifles starting in August 2026. In contrast, states in the South and Midwest expanded “permitless carry” schemes, evidencing the absence of a uniform federal framework.

The impact of the US market also transcends borders. Mexican authorities have indicated that a high percentage of weapons seized from criminal groups come from the United States, which adds an international dimension to the debate.

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

For now, the priority is to clarify what happened within the residential complex and determine responsibilities. The next few hours will be key to knowing the identity of the victims, the condition of the injured person and whether there was a targeted action or a previous conflict.

Meanwhile, the university community faces a new shock in a country where shootings in educational spaces have become a recurring tragedy.