ORANGEBURG, S.C. — A tragic incident unfolded at South Carolina State University where a shooting has left two people dead and one injured, prompting a campus lockdown that lasted nearly eight hours. The lockdown began around 9:15 p.m. Thursday following reports of gunfire and was lifted around 5 a.m. Friday.

While the identities of the victims and the condition of the injured individual have not been released at this time, the university is taking precautions as investigators work on the scene. Local law enforcement is actively patrolling the campus and surrounding areas, and the State Law Enforcement Division has been called to investigate.

Eyewitnesses reported a tense atmosphere; Kaya Mack, who was making a food delivery, described hearing gunshots and seeing an influx of police officers. Their loud sirens kind of shook me, she recounted her experience to WLTX-TV. Amid the chaos, students and staff expressed confusion and concern as they sought safety.

In the wake of the shooting, university administrators have canceled all classes for the day and are offering counseling services to support students affected by this distressing event. The community is now coming to grips with the tragedy, seeking answers and a way forward in the wake of this violence.