Panic broke out at the University of South Carolina after an active shooter alert was issued near the Thomas Cooper Library. Students were told to evacuate or barricade in safe areas as blood-curdling alarms echoed across campus. Reports claimed a ‘gunman’ was spotted carrying a long firearm — later believed to be just an umbrella. Police searched the area, issued an all-clear, and confirmed no evidence of gunfire. Still, the terrifying incident left students shaken and raised questions about mass hysteria on U.S. campuses.
