University of South Carolina says no evidence of an active shooter on campus but search continues

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Students at the University of South Carolina received an alert on Sunday about a possible active shooter near a library on the main campus in Columbia, but school officials soon said there was no evidence of an shooter but that a search continued and advised students to shelter in place. There were no immediate reports of any shots being fired.

The school sent the original alert shortly after 6:45 p.m. ordering students to evacuate the area near the Thomas Cooper Library, seek shelter and barricade themselves if necessary.

The alert described a white male suspect, approximately 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall, wearing black pants.

“Defend yourself if you encounter the suspect,” the alert states. “Obey public safety officials’ commands.”

The alert did not confirm that a s