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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.