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
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.