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SCSU Shooting: Two Students Dead, Suspect in Custody

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 19:35 GMT by WMBF News
      Locales: South Carolina, UNITED STATES

Orangeburg, SC - February 18th, 2026 - South Carolina State University (SCSU) is reeling after a shooting on Tuesday, February 17th, left two students dead and several others injured. The suspect, 18-year-old [Suspect's Name Redacted], is now in custody, charged with murder and attempted murder. The incident has cast a pall over the Orangeburg community and sparked a renewed debate about campus safety and gun violence.

Authorities responded to reports of gunfire on campus shortly before 10:00 PM on Tuesday. University police, swiftly joined by local law enforcement, apprehended the suspect on campus. While details surrounding the apprehension remain scarce, officials confirmed that the quick response likely prevented further casualties. The ongoing investigation is focusing on establishing a clear motive for the shooting, but as of today, Wednesday, February 18th, that information has not been publicly disclosed.

"This is a devastating day for the SCSU community," stated University President Dr. [President's Name Redacted] during a somber press conference held this morning. Dr. [President's Name Redacted] emphasized the university's commitment to supporting the families of the victims and providing comprehensive mental health resources to students, faculty, and staff. "Our hearts are broken, and we are united in grief. We will do everything in our power to help our community heal and move forward." Counseling services have been immediately mobilized and are available 24/7 to anyone affected by the tragedy.

The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released, pending notification of next of kin. However, university officials have confirmed that both were students enrolled at SCSU. The injured students are currently receiving medical attention at local hospitals; their conditions range from stable to critical. The university has established a dedicated family assistance center to provide support and information to those impacted.

The shooting has prompted an immediate and comprehensive lockdown of the SCSU campus. Classes have been cancelled for the remainder of the week, and students are being urged to remain in their dormitories or off-campus residences. The lockdown will remain in effect until authorities determine it is safe to resume normal activities. This disruption impacts over 5,000 students and hundreds of faculty and staff, creating logistical challenges for the university administration.

Governor [Governor's Name Redacted] issued a statement condemning the violence and offering the full support of the state government. "My prayers are with the students, faculty, and families of South Carolina State University," the Governor said. "The state will provide all necessary resources to assist in the investigation and to support the university's recovery efforts. We must ensure that our college campuses remain safe havens for learning and growth." The Governor's office is reportedly working with state legislators to explore potential funding for enhanced campus security measures.

This incident is reigniting a national conversation about gun violence on college campuses. While SCSU, like many universities, has security protocols in place - including campus police, security cameras, and emergency alert systems - questions are being raised about whether those measures are sufficient. Experts in campus safety are calling for a multi-faceted approach that includes stricter background checks, increased mental health services, and improved communication between law enforcement and university officials. Some advocate for allowing trained and vetted faculty and staff to carry firearms on campus, while others argue that this would exacerbate the problem.

The tragedy at SCSU is not an isolated incident. College campuses across the nation have experienced a troubling increase in shootings in recent years. According to data from Everytown for Gun Safety, there have been over 150 shootings at schools and universities in the United States since 2018. This escalating violence is fueling demands for comprehensive gun control legislation at the federal and state levels.

SCSU is a historically Black university with a long and proud tradition of academic excellence. The university's tight-knit community is particularly devastated by this loss. Students are organizing vigils and memorial services to honor the victims and to demonstrate their solidarity. The university is also planning a series of events in the coming weeks to promote healing and resilience. WMBF News will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.