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Fatal Shootings Overshadow Annual sc-state-homecoming Celebrations Orangeburg, South Carolina – A weekend of traditional alumni celebration at South Carolina State University (SC State) was marred by tragedy after two separate shooting incidents on campus, resulting in the death of one woman and the injury of two other guests. The violence, which occurred late Saturday evening during the institution's annual sc-state-homecoming festivities, prompted an immediate campus lockdown, the cancellation of all remaining weekend events, and the suspension of classes on Monday as state and federal law enforcement agencies initiated a comprehensive investigation. The incidents took place hours after the conclusion of the Homecoming football game. According to statements released by the university and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the first shooting occurred near Hugine Suites, a student residential complex. A female guest on campus, later identified by the Orangeburg County Coroner as 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler of Saluda, S. C. , was shot and pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital. A short time later, a second shooting involving a male guest took place, who was then airlifted to another hospital for specialised treatment. A third individual was reportedly injured while fleeing the scene. SLED confirmed that, at this stage of the investigation, the two separate shootings do not appear to be immediately connected. Response and Community Shock In the immediate aftermath, university public safety officials issued a campus-wide lockdown alert, instructing students in residence halls to shelter in place and off-campus residents to exit the premises. The university confirmed the cancellation of its scheduled Homecoming concert and all activities planned for Sunday, including the highly anticipated Greek Life events.
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SC State President Alexander Conyers addressed the community following the violence. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the young woman who lost her life and to all who have been affected," President Conyers said in a formal statement. "We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate these senseless acts of violence. The safety and well-being of our students, employees, and guests remain our top priority. " The university’s Counseling and Self-Development Center has been deployed to provide immediate support and counselling services for affected students and staff members, acknowledging the severe shock inflicted on the ‘Bulldog Family. ’ The scene on Saturday night was described as chaotic by students. Speaking to local media outlets, one freshman identified only as Milan recounted the fear: "It happened right outside our room. we just saw everyone running, and then we heard pop, then we saw caution tape everywhere. " Another student, Quan, recalled the moments before the shots were fired, noting the confusion and subsequent frantic rush as attendees sought safety. Security Context and Cultural Significance The outbreak of violence came despite the university implementing a comprehensive security plan designed to safeguard the thousands of alumni, students, and visitors who return to the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) campus each year for the revered tradition. Dr. Gerald Hubbard Smalls, Vice President for University Advancement and Strategic Communications, previously outlined several key safety measures ahead of the weekend.
"SC State also implemented additional safety measures, including controlled entry points for major events, increased camera monitoring, and enhanced emergency communications protocols," Dr. Smalls noted in a prior release, adding that the university had worked closely with state and local police agencies to ensure a "strong law enforcement presence on and around the campus. " These measures reportedly included the deployment of metal detectors and K-9 officers, reflecting a growing nationwide concern over security at large campus events. Homecoming is culturally significant across the HBCU network, serving as a critical moment of reunion, reflection, and institutional pride. The celebration typically generates a substantial economic boost for the city of Orangeburg and surrounding communities. Local city leaders often refer to the Homecoming week as a major financial boon, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses that cater to the influx of tens of thousands of alumni. The premature truncation of the celebrations due to the security situation is expected to have a tangible impact on this local revenue. Political and Legislative Debate The tragedy quickly drew reactions from state and national political figures, reigniting debate over public safety and gun control legislation in South Carolina. US Senator Tim Scott (R-S. C. ) posted a message expressing his condolences, stating, "My prayers are with the family and loved ones of the young woman who was killed, and for the full recovery of those injured at South Carolina State University. Homecoming is meant to be a time of celebration and community.
" Meanwhile, US Representative Jim Clyburn (D-S. C. ), a proud SC State alumnus, used the incident to call for legislative change. Rep. Clyburn stated that the violence was a "horrific tragedy" for the community, asserting that "The epidemic of gun violence exacts far too high a toll on our communities. these shootings call into question open carry laws that make the lives of college administrators difficult and put the lives of innocents at risk. " As SLED continues its active investigation into the two separate incidents, the focus on campus remains on recovery and ensuring community support. The immediate future of large-scale campus events at SC State will likely be scrutinised under the lens of enhanced security needs, even as the community mourns the loss and attempts to understand how the beloved tradition of sc-state-homecoming turned into a scene of devastating violence. You can find more context on the local impact of the celebration in this video discussing how Homecoming at SC State provides a boost in the economy say experts.
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