Murder-Suicide Disrupts Classes at S.C. University

COLUMBIA, S.C. (CN) - An apparent murder-suicide has taken place on the campus of the University of South Carolina, police officials say.

The shooting, which occurred at about 1:16 p.m. on Thursday inside the university's Public Health Research Center, prompted a campus-wide lockdown. The identities of the shooter and victim have not been released.

During a brief press conference, Thom Berry, spokesman for the State Law Enforcement Division, said the bodies were found after a floor-by-floor search of the building, but offered few other details.

Immediately after the shots were reported, school-wide alert was sent by text message to all 25,000-plus USC students and faculty saying, "SHORS (CQ) FIRED AT NEW SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH. Seek safe shelter."

However, according to The State newspaper, many of the students attending classes in the building were unaware that a shooting had taken place until large numbers of police arrived on the scene.

The shooting occurred only blocks away from the Statehouse in downtown Columbia, and about a mile from the Richland County courthouse.

Wes Hickman, a spokesman for the university said the building has been secured and an all clear has been issued for the campus. Classes in the Public Health Research Center building have been cancelled for the remainder of the day.

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