COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTV) - The recent active shooter hoax at the University of South Carolina was triggered by an “online gore-seeking group,” according to the state attorney general.

The happened when someone -- now identified as a group called “Purgatory” -- reported there was an active shooter near the university’s Thomas Cooper Library.

State Attorney General Alan Wilson said a security organization linked the hoax call to Purgatory, and said the leader of the group claimed responsibility for the hoax.

Immediately after the call was received, the university sent out a series of alerts, beginning just after 6:30 p.m.

The campus was placed on lockdown and everyone was urged to shelter in place. About 35 minutes after the initial alert, the school said there was “no evidence” of an act

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