ORANGEBURG, S.C. — A tragic and unsettling shooting incident during the 2025 Homecoming celebrations at South Carolina State University (SCSU) has caused significant concern and a heavy police response on Saturday night, October 4, 2025. The homecoming event, which is traditionally a joyous occasion for students, alumni, and the Orangeburg community, quickly turned into a chaotic and dangerous scene when multiple gunshots rang out near a large gathering of people on the campus of SCSU. As of late Saturday, the authorities have not confirmed the number of victims or the extent of injuries, but the incident has prompted a swift and coordinated response from various law enforcement agencies.

This tragedy has left the community in shock and raised serious questions about safety at public gatherings, particularly events as significant as homecoming, which bring together thousands of people each year. The SCSU Homecoming is a celebrated tradition that attracts students, families, and alumni from across the state and beyond. However, what should have been a celebration turned into a nightmare, sending students and alumni fleeing for their lives.

Details of the Incident

The shooting occurred shortly after the football game ended, as the annual homecoming celebrations were taking place on the South Carolina State University campus in Orangeburg, SC. At approximately 9:00 PM, gunfire was reported by numerous witnesses in the area near SCSU’s main campus. Law enforcement and emergency medical teams were dispatched immediately in response to the active shooter situation.

Multiple agencies, including SCSU campus police, the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, converged on the scene. The authorities quickly began to secure the area, evacuating large crowds and locking down portions of the campus. Police officials initiated a lockdown protocol, urging students and others on campus to take shelter and avoid the areas where gunshots were heard.

Witness Accounts and Initial Reactions

Witnesses reported multiple gunshots coming from a specific location where people had gathered for post-game celebrations. Social media quickly lit up with video footage from the scene, showing large groups of people running for safety. Some videos depicted students and alumni running through parking lots and down streets, trying to find cover from the ongoing chaos.

One student who was present at the event recalled, “We heard what sounded like fireworks at first, but then we realized it was gunfire. People started running in every direction, and it was pure panic. I didn’t know what to do — I just ran with the crowd.” Another witness stated, “There were so many people in the area, and then we just heard the shots, and everyone started screaming and running.”

The NYPD and other law enforcement agencies worked quickly to secure the campus and conduct a thorough sweep of the area. Officers began gathering information and interviewing witnesses, many of whom were still visibly shaken by the incident. Authorities emphasized that the situation appeared to be isolated and that there was no indication of any other active threats on the campus at the time.

Campus Response and Safety Measures

In the hours following the incident, SCSU officials released a brief statement confirming that they were working closely with law enforcement. They assured the public that all available resources were being used to handle the situation and investigate the cause of the gunfire. In their statement, the university said:

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our thoughts are with all those affected. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and will provide updates as more information becomes available. For now, we ask that the community respect the law enforcement efforts and refrain from gathering near the scene.”

SCSU officials also urged students and visitors to avoid the affected areas on campus, including certain parts of the parking structure and the quad, which were temporarily closed for safety and investigative reasons. The university’s campus police department has set up designated areas for the safe evacuation of students and staff, ensuring that no further incidents would take place as the investigation continued.

Law Enforcement’s Efforts and Investigation

As of the last update, law enforcement has not confirmed the number of people injured or the extent of the injuries. However, authorities are continuing to search for potential witnesses and gather evidence from the scene. No suspects have been identified or taken into custody, and investigators are focusing on piecing together the moments before the gunfire erupted.

One of the key areas of investigation is the potential motive behind the shooting. While some witnesses indicated that the shooting may have been a result of an altercation among individuals attending the celebration, others have suggested it might have been an act of random violence. At this time, police have not released further details, and the community is left with many questions about the shooter’s identity and motives.

Additionally, authorities are reviewing security footage from campus surveillance cameras and social media posts from witnesses who were near the scene. The information gathered will be essential in reconstructing the timeline of events leading up to the shooting, and law enforcement is appealing to the public for any photos, videos, or witness accounts that could provide crucial details.

The Impact on the Community and the SCSU Campus

The shooting has left the Orangeburg community in shock. Homecoming is a cherished tradition at South Carolina State University, and the celebration typically brings together families, alumni, and students from across the state. It’s a time for pride and unity—a day filled with football games, parades, and community bonding. However, this tragic incident has marred the event and cast a shadow over the typically joyous occasion.

Family members of students attending the event have expressed concern over their loved ones’ safety, as many people were still on campus when the gunshots rang out. Some parents voiced their anger at the lack of preparation for such an event, while others expressed relief that their children were not among those injured.

Local businesses that cater to homecoming visitors were also impacted, with many establishments experiencing brief disruptions as people attempted to leave the area. Some businesses voluntarily closed early to ensure their staff and customers were safe. However, despite the chaos, many businesses vowed to support their community and work with law enforcement to provide any assistance needed.

Support and Resources for the Affected

The university has made counseling services available to students and staff who may have been impacted by the traumatic event. SCSU’s Counseling and Wellness Center is offering mental health support for anyone who needs it, and the university has partnered with local organizations to provide additional resources for students dealing with emotional distress.

Victims of trauma, especially those who witnessed the incident or were directly affected, are encouraged to seek support from professional counselors. There are also community-based organizations offering free services for those struggling with the aftermath of the shooting.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been publicized as a resource for those dealing with emotional distress related to the incident. The 988 number is available 24/7 for confidential support.

Conclusion: An Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into the SCSU shooting remains ongoing, and police are continuing to follow up on leads. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this traumatic event, law enforcement agencies have promised to keep the public informed as new details become available.

At this time, authorities are urging the public to be patient as they work to uncover the facts surrounding the shooting. The South Carolina State University community, along with the people of Orangeburg, are still processing the shocking turn of events, and many are left hoping for answers.

While the situation remains fluid, SCSU officials and law enforcement are committed to ensuring the safety of students and the broader community. In the meantime, students, faculty, and residents are advised to continue following all safety measures and remain vigilant as the investigation progresses.

The 2025 Homecoming celebration will undoubtedly be remembered not for the sports or festivities, but for the tragic event that unfolded on the campus. Authorities continue to work diligently to bring clarity to this devastating situation and ensure the safety of everyone involved.