Lockdown lifted at SC university where teen was killed in shooting, officials say
One person was killed and two others were injured Saturday night following multiple shootings at South Carolina State University, according to officials.
The university’s Orangeburg campus was placed on lockdown following the first shooting, which was near the Hugine Suites student residential complex, S.C. State officials said Sunday in a news release. Information about where the second shooting occurred, or when shots were fired in both incidents, was not available.
The campus remained secured on lockdown through the weekend and was accessible only to students, employees and investigators, according to the release. At 6 a.m. Monday, the lockdown was lifted, university officials said.
The shootings happened during S.C. State’s homecoming weekend celebration, officials said. Following the gunfire, a planned homecoming concert scheduled for 10 p.m. Saturday was canceled, along with all other events that were set to be held Sunday, according to the release.
Additionally, all classes for Monday have been canceled, officials said.
“If you are not a current student, please do not attempt to come to campus,” university officials said Saturday night. All off-campus residents were also asked to leave the campus.
Parents looking to check on students are asked to report to the university’s public safety checkpoint at the Chestnut Street/Wilkinson Boulevard gate, or call the department at 803-536-7188.
‘Senseless acts of violence’
The victim who died in one of the shootings was a female visiting S.C. State, according to the release.
Jaliyah Butler, a 19-year-old Saluda resident, was pronounced dead at MUSC Health Orangeburg, Orangeburg County Coroner. Sean Fogle said Sunday. An autopsy is scheduled for later this week.
A male who was shot was also taken to an area hospital before he was airlifted by helicopter to another hospital, according to the release. Further information on his condition was not available.
Another guest on campus was injured while running from the scene of the first shooting, officials said. Information on that victim’s condition was not available.
None of the victims were S.C. State students, according to university officials.
No other injuries were reported.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the young woman who lost her life and to all who have been affected,” S.C. State President Alexander Conyers said in the release. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate these senseless acts of violence. The safety and well-being of our students, employees, and guests remain our top priority.”
Investigation
The university said its Department of Public Safety asked the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to lead the investigation into the two shootings. There was no word if the shootings were connected, beyond timing.
Information about the shooters, and how many people were involved, was not available, and there was no word on a motive for the gunfire.
No arrests have been reported, but the shootings continue to be investigated by SLED.
“My prayers are with the family and loved ones of the young woman who was killed, and for the full recovery of those injured at South Carolina State University,” U.S. Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from S.C., said Sunday in a news release. “Homecoming is meant to be a time of celebration and community. My heart goes out to the entire Bulldog community as they face this tragic news.
The shootings happened despite efforts made to create a safe environment, university officials said.
“Throughout Homecoming Week, the university worked closely with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, and other partners to ensure a strong law enforcement presence on and around the campus,” Dr. Gerald Hubbard Smalls, vice president for finance and administration, said in the release. “These agencies supplemented our own Department of Public Safety officers as part of a coordinated safety plan for the celebration.
“S.C. State also implemented additional safety measures, including controlled entry points for major events, increased camera monitoring, and enhanced emergency communications protocols,” Smalls said. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their professionalism and rapid response.”
Now the university said it is providing counseling services for students through S.C. State’s Counseling and Self-Development Center.
“We know this tragedy has shaken our Bulldog Family, and we are providing counseling and support for anyone in need,” Conyers said. “I ask everyone to continue caring for one another.”
The center’s crisis response team will offer:
- Brief crisis consultations and grounding sessions
- Small group grief circles throughout the day
- Drop-in support for anyone seeking a safe place to talk or reflect
“Let’s continue to lean on each other and honor our shared humanity as we heal together,” Crisis Center Director S. Christian Jackson said in the release.
On Monday, the university implemented enhanced security measures at entrances, including vehicle checks and ID verifications, which might result in traffic delays.
Campus safety
On Aug. 24, there were phone calls which reported gunfire on the University of South Carolina campus in Columbia.
Although it turned out that there were no shots fired at USC, fear and chaos temporarily gripped the university as the campus was placed on lockdown and students were told to evacuate the area and find shelter. It turned out to be a hoax, or swatting incident, officials said.
“In the face of such senseless violence, I remain committed to helping ensure that campuses are safe and secure learning environments for all,” Scott said Sunday after the shooting at S.C. State.
Another Republican lawmaker from South Carolina, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, also reacted to the shooting death.
“Heartbroken by the tragic events which occurred at South Carolina State University last night,” Mace said on social media. “Please join us in praying for the victims, their families, and the entire Bulldog community as they grieve this tragedy.”
Another U.S. Rep. from South Carolina, Democrat James Clyburn, also weighed in on the shooting. Clyburn is also an S.C. State alum.
“I offer my sincere condolences and heartfelt empathies to the victims of the shootings that took place at South Carolina State University. As a ‘loyal son’ and proud alumnus of SCSU, this incident is a horrific tragedy to many of us who celebrated homecoming this weekend,” Clyburn said in a news release. “Homecoming is about students, their friends and families, none of whom should be subjected to such senseless acts. The epidemic of gun violence exacts far too high a toll on our communities.”
A letter to families from S.C. State
Dear Parents and Families,
As a parent myself, I understand the deep concern you feel after learning of the tragic events that occurred on our campus Saturday night. I want to assure you that South Carolina State University is doing everything possible to protect our students and maintain the safety and wellbeing of our campus community.
Immediately following the first shooting incident, our Department of Public Safety placed the campus on lockdown and called in assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and other agencies. That lockdown remains in effect as SLED continues its investigation.
Although no S.C. State students were wounded, we recognize that this tragic incident was traumatic for our students and their families. The university has canceled classes for Monday to allow time for a full safety assessment and to give our students access to counseling and support services.
Please know that our students who reside on campus are safe within the residence halls and are being provided with meals and essential services. We continue to communicate directly with them and with university employees through official channels to ensure they have the most accurate, up-to-date information.
With that in mind, I have scheduled a virtual town hall meeting for tonight at 6 for parents and students to hear directly from me and other members of the administration. While we cannot comment on the ongoing investigation, we will discuss our safety efforts and response to last night’s events. You can join the town hall on Microsoft Teams by clicking here.
If you wish to check on your student in person, you may do so by reporting to the Public Safety checkpoint at the Chestnut Street/Wilkinson Boulevard gate. You also may reach our Department of Public Safety at 803-536-7188.
We will share additional updates through our website and official university communications as new information becomes available. In the meantime, please keep our campus community and the families affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Col. (Ret.) Alexander Conyers
13th President
South Carolina State University
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This story was originally published October 5, 2025 at 9:58 AM with the headline "Lockdown lifted at SC university where teen was killed in shooting, officials say."
