On Sunday, August 25, 2025, the University of South Carolina, located in Columbia, South Carolina, experienced a scare that highlights just how easily mistakes can happen in the criminal justice system. At around 6:30 P.M., law enforcement received a report of possible gunfire at the Thomas Cooper Library. A “Carolina Alert” went out to students, faculty, and staff warning of an active shooter on campus. The official message instructed people to evacuate, shelter in place, barricade themselves, and prepare to defend themselves if they encountered the suspect.
The alert spread instantly through text and social media. Within minutes, videos appeared online showing the supposed “suspect” walking calmly across campus. Some of these were even shared by a sitting South Carolina congresswoman. When we reviewed the footage as it circulated, it looked obvious that the student was not carrying a firearm. Later reports confirmed that was the case, and the object was an umbrella. The University issued an “all clear” at 8:11 P.M., confirming there had been no gunshots.
Despite the false alarm, the fear and disruption were real. Some students reportedly suffered injuries in the chaos of the evacuation. Local media also pointed out that this was not an isolated event—other universities had dealt with similar false reports in the days leading up to this incident.
Why Mistakes Like This Happen
The most important lesson here is that eyewitness accounts are often unreliable. People can honestly mistake what they think they saw, especially under stressful or emotional circumstances. Others may exaggerate or insert themselves into a situation, believing it makes them helpful or important.
In this case, the video of the student with the umbrella should have cast serious doubt on whether there was truly a gunman. But law enforcement cannot immediately assume a report is false. Even with contrary evidence, officers may feel compelled to continue responding in case there is another threat.
This tendency to assume the worst isn’t limited to active shooter reports. It happens in routine criminal investigations. For example, a driver pulled over for a minor traffic infraction who admits to having one drink can quickly find themselves charged with DUI in Columbia, SC, even when the evidence doesn’t actually support impairment. Or in a domestic dispute call, officers may decide to make an arrest even when there isn’t enough reliable evidence to support a conviction later in court.
The Role of the Criminal Justice System
False, incomplete, or misleading information can and does make its way into police investigations. That is why the safeguards of the criminal justice system are so critical. A false report or an overreaction in the field should not automatically lead to a wrongful conviction.
The rights afforded to criminal defendants—such as the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, the presumption of innocence, and the right to a trial—exist to protect individuals from being punished based on mistakes or premature conclusions. Without these protections, errors like what occurred at the University of South Carolina could far too easily lead to life-changing consequences for innocent people.
Conclusion
The events at USC remind us that not everything reported as a crime is what it first appears to be. Mistaken eyewitness accounts, viral social media posts, and hasty decisions can create a false picture of guilt. But the justice system is designed to give people a fair chance to defend themselves against false or exaggerated claims.
If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Lexington, Columbia, or anywhere in South Carolina, it is important to take immediate steps to protect your rights. Call the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC today at (803) 359-3301. Same-day appointments are typically available.
Disclaimer: Every case is unique. The outcome of prior cases does not guarantee a similar result in your case. Prior results obtained by the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, do not indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients in other matters.