Crime
NO evidence of active shooter at Thomas Cooper Library in Columbia
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Authorities at the University of South Carolina in Columbia have issued an update following earlier reports of a possible active shooter near the Thomas Cooper Library at 1322 Greene Street.
According to the latest information, there is currently no evidence confirming the presence of an active shooter on campus.
Video footage circulating from the area shows an individual carrying an object; while some observers initially believed it to be a firearm, others have suggested it may have been an umbrella.
Despite this development, university officials continue to urge caution.
The emergency alert instructs students, faculty, staff, and the public to remain sheltered in place until an official all-clear is issued.
Those on campus are advised to avoid the Thomas Cooper Library area, evacuate if safely possible, or secure themselves in a locked and barricaded location.
The original alert described the individual of concern as a white male, approximately six feet tall, last seen wearing black pants.
At this time, no arrests have been made and the person has not been located.
The university’s alert further advises: “Defend yourself if you encounter the suspect. Obey all commands from public safety officials.”
This is still a developing situation, and officials emphasize that safety precautions should remain in effect until further notice.
Additional updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.