ALBAWABA - Today, panic erupted at the University of South Carolina in Columbia when a video captured an individual walking on campus with a long black umbrella, only to be mistaken for a weapon, triggering a shooter alert.
Before authorities declared an all-clear, staff and students were urged to evacuate or take shelter until local police investigated the shooter alert. The university first reported an active shooter near Thomas Cooper Library at 6:30 p.m., prompting a full closure of the library despite no shooting taking place.
Radnor PD released a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) and said, "Radnor Township Police Department is on location at Villanova University Austin Hall for a reported active shooter."
It outlined further, "Law enforcement has confirmed the call to be false. Officers are working to clear the campus and restore normal operations. At this time, the investigation is ongoing."
Umbrella triggers shooting alert at University of South Carolina
Many users took to social media, saying that they also mistook the umbrella for a rifle due to its shape and color.
An X user wrote, "Imagine being labeled a shooter—when all you had was an umbrella."
They added, "One misunderstanding could have cost him his life. He deserves support and empathy, not suspicion."
Photos of the young man carrying his umbrella while smiling flooded social media, as American netizens called for an immediate stop to possible future hoaxes.
On Thursday, Villanova University and the University of Tennessee went on a full lockdown after reports claimed witnessing an active shooter on both campuses, as reported by CNN.
