Two Die in Shooting at South Carolina State University

A fatal shooting at South Carolina State University left two people dead and one injured on the evening of February 12, prompting a campus-wide curfew that lasted several hours. The incident occurred at approximately 9:15 p.m. local time in a room at Hugine Suites dormitory, according to a Facebook post by the university administration. The predominantly African-American institution has not yet confirmed whether a suspect has been apprehended.

University officials announced the shooting through social media, noting that they have not released the identities of the victims or provided details about the condition of the injured person. The administration imposed immediate security restrictions following reports of gunfire in the residential building. Authorities have not confirmed whether the perpetrator remains at large or has been taken into custody.

Campus Lockdown and Safety Response

In response to the South Carolina State University shooting, administrators canceled all classes on February 13 and implemented a restricted entry policy across campus. The university activated counseling services for students affected by the violence. President Alexander Conyers had previously emphasized that student and visitor safety remains a “top priority” for the institution.

However, this marks the second shooting incident at Hugine Suites in recent months. On October 4, 2025, gunfire during an alumni homecoming celebration claimed the life of 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler. The repeated violence at the same dormitory complex has raised concerns about campus security measures despite administrative promises to enhance safety protocols.

Previous Security Commitments Under Scrutiny

Following the October shooting, university leadership pledged to strengthen campus safety measures, according to HBCU Gameday. The announced plans included implementing controlled entry checkpoints and expanding surveillance systems throughout the campus. Despite these commitments, violence near student residential areas has continued to occur, raising questions about the effectiveness of current security infrastructure.

Additionally, the trauma counselors mobilized following the February incident reflect the ongoing psychological toll on the student population. The university’s predominantly African-American student body now faces the challenge of processing two fatal shootings at the same location within a span of just over four months. Mental health support services have become a critical component of the institution’s crisis response.

Context for Historically Black Colleges

The shooting at South Carolina State University highlights broader safety concerns facing Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation. Meanwhile, campus security at HBCUs has received increased attention as institutions balance open community access with the need to protect students. The implementation of entry controls and surveillance measures represents an attempt to address these competing priorities.

In contrast to larger universities with extensive security budgets, many HBCUs face resource constraints that can limit their ability to implement comprehensive safety systems. Nevertheless, South Carolina State University had committed to enhanced security following the October incident, though the recent shooting suggests challenges in preventing violence on campus grounds.

The February 12 shooting occurred in the same dormitory that experienced the October fatality, raising specific concerns about security at Hugine Suites. The university administration has not yet provided details about how an armed individual accessed the residential facility or whether the enhanced security measures were fully operational at the time of the incident. These questions remain unanswered as the investigation continues.

University officials have not announced a timeline for when normal campus operations will resume or provided information about next steps in the investigation. The status of the restricted entry policy and the duration of counseling services remain subject to administrative decisions as the campus community processes this latest tragedy.