🚨 Details of the Tragic Shooting

On the evening of February 12, 2026, a devastating shooting rocked the campus of South Carolina State University (SCSU) in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Around 9:15 p.m., gunfire erupted inside a room at the Hugine Suites, a student residential complex. Three young men were shot: two succumbed to their injuries, and the third survived but was hospitalized.

The Orangeburg County Coroner identified the deceased as 19-year-old Henry L. Crittington of Orangeburg and 18-year-old Terrell Thomas of Norway, South Carolina. Importantly, neither victim was an enrolled student at SCSU; they were guests visiting a friend who was the injured party, an SCSU student whose identity has not been publicly released. This detail underscores a common challenge in campus safety: distinguishing between students and visitors, especially in open-access dormitories.

The incident prompted an immediate campus-wide lockdown that lasted nearly eight hours, from shortly after the shooting until about 5 a.m. the next day. University officials swiftly activated emergency protocols, ensuring no further threats during the lockdown period.

University Response and Support Measures

In the wake of the shooting, SCSU prioritized community well-being. Classes and all campus activities were canceled through Monday, February 16, allowing time for grieving and processing. Counseling services were made available on-site for students, faculty, and staff, recognizing the psychological toll of such violence.

SCSU President Alexander Conyers issued a message to parents on February 13, emphasizing safety commitments. The university requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to lead the investigation, a standard procedure for serious campus crimes. The Board of Trustees convened an emergency session to address the incident and review security protocols.

SLED confirmed the shooting occurred within a single room, suggesting it may stem from a personal dispute rather than a broader threat. No suspect has been named publicly, and the investigation remains active. Tips are encouraged through SLED channels.

• Immediate lockdown activation
• Cancellation of classes and events
• Counseling and mental health support
• SLED-led probe with FBI involvement if needed

📜 A Pattern of Violence: Previous Incidents

This tragedy is not isolated. Just four months prior, on October 4, 2025, during SCSU's Homecoming celebration, two separate shootings occurred near Hugine Suites and Poplar Hall. Nineteen-year-old Jaliyah Butler, a visitor from Saluda, South Carolina, was killed in the first incident, while another male visitor was critically injured nearby. Two teenage suspects were arrested in connection with those events.

In response, an anonymous donor offered a $10,000 reward—split evenly between the cases—for information leading to convictions. This reflects ongoing efforts to deter violence during high-traffic events like homecoming, common at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

SCSU's 2023 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, mandated by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), details prior weapon-related issues. That year, there were four arrests for illegal weapons on campus and eleven disciplinary referrals in residential facilities. The Clery Act requires institutions to report crimes like this annually, promoting transparency. For full details, view the SCSU Clery Report.

These recurring events highlight vulnerabilities during gatherings and the need for robust visitor screening.

Student and Community Reactions

Students expressed profound fear and frustration. One told local media, "Don't feel safe, anybody can bring a gun." Social media buzzed with concerns over unchecked visitors and inadequate lighting or patrols. Rep. James Clyburn, whose district includes Orangeburg, offered prayers, noting the toll of gun violence.

Local leaders, including Orangeburg City Council, decried the loss, vowing support. Business owners and residents near campus felt the ripple effects, with some reporting hearing shots. Gubernatorial candidates weighed in, calling for statewide higher education safety reforms.

🎓 Campus Safety in HBCUs: Broader Context

SCSU, founded in 1896 as South Carolina's sole public HBCU, serves about 2,900 students and holds R2 research status for high research activity. HBCUs foster Black excellence but face disproportionate threats. A UNCF study found 76 incidents targeting 51 of 101 HBCUs over three years, often from outsiders.

Nationally, college shootings are rare but impactful: 17 mass events with three-plus fatalities since 2000. South Carolina's gun violence rates exacerbate campus risks. Adjacent to SCSU is Claflin University, another HBCU, amplifying regional concerns.

For more on HBCU security trends, see this Inside Higher Ed report.

🛡️ Strategies for Safer Campuses

Proactive measures can mitigate risks. HBCUs like Southern University have added cameras, license plate readers, gun-sniffing dogs, and drone surveillance. SCSU could enhance visitor logs, metal detectors at events, and partnerships with local police.

• Invest in surveillance and AI monitoring
• Mandatory safety training for students and staff
• Stricter guest policies in dorms
• Mental health resources to address conflicts
• Community policing and emergency apps like Rave Guardian

Legislators propose mandatory training bills, building on Clery requirements. Parents should review Clery reports before enrolling; students, use Rate My Professor for campus vibe insights.

Administrators seeking safety roles can explore higher ed admin jobs.

Details on prior efforts at SCSU's reward announcement.

Building Resilience in Higher Education

This SCSU shooting prompts reflection on safer futures. While investigations continue, focus shifts to prevention. HBCUs exemplify resilience, producing leaders despite challenges. Explore higher ed jobs or university jobs to contribute. Share experiences on Rate My Professor or pursue higher ed career advice. Together, foster secure learning environments.

Read President Conyers' full message at SCSU News. For context, NYT coverage.