2 Dead, One Wounded in Shooting at South Carolina State University

The violence on Thursday night took place in a residence hall near the site of two other shootings in October.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

A shooting on Thursday inside a student housing complex on the campus of South Carolina State University left two people dead and a third wounded, police officials said. The identities of the dead victims, both male, were unclear, and it was not known whether they were students. No suspect was in custody.

Why it matters

The killings were the second deadly shooting on campus, and third shooting overall, in four months, rattling the campuses of South Carolina State and neighboring Claflin University, both historically Black colleges.

The details

The shooting, which occurred around 9:15 p.m. inside a room at the Hugine Suites complex, prompted university officials to place the campus on lockdown for about eight hours overnight. School officials later canceled classes on Friday and said that counseling services for students would be available.

  • The shooting occurred around 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • Two shootings on campus occurred during the university's October homecoming in 2025.

The players

South Carolina State University

A historically Black college located in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Claflin University

A historically Black college located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, neighboring South Carolina State University.

Michael C. Butler

The mayor of Orangeburg, South Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“To the students of SC State and to every resident of our city — we are with you. We will continue to support our university partners and do everything within our power to promote safety, peace and healing in our community.”

— Michael C. Butler, Mayor of Orangeburg (Social media)

The takeaway

The recent shootings on the campuses of South Carolina State University and Claflin University have raised concerns about campus safety and the need for increased security measures to protect students, faculty, and staff at historically Black colleges and universities.