COLUMBIA — The University of South Carolina issued a shelter-in-place order on Sunday evening after reports of an active shooter near the Thomas Cooper Library. The alert was sent out just after 6:30 p.m. ET, prompting students and staff to avoid the area and take necessary precautions.

The initial alert described the suspect as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing black pants. Law enforcement began searching the campus shortly after the alert was issued. By 7:10 p.m., the university reported that there was no evidence of an active shooter, but police continued to search for the suspect.

A Carolina Alert sent at 6:36 p.m. instructed individuals on campus to evacuate the area or seek safe shelter. It emphasized the importance of barricading oneself in a secure location and defending against the suspect if encountered. The alert also urged compliance with public safety officials' commands.

As police responded, multiple vehicles were seen blocking off streets near the campus. Officers were actively patrolling the area, but bystanders were not instructed to leave. Reports indicated that the historic Horseshoe area of the campus was largely empty by around 7:15 p.m.

Local businesses, such as Cool Beans Cafe, took precautions by locking their doors and monitoring the situation. Patrons inside the cafe remained calm, playing cards and observing the police activity outside.

The Columbia Police Department and Richland County Sheriff's Department were on the scene to assist with the investigation. As of the latest updates, the university continued to advise individuals to shelter in place until further notice. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.