ORANGEBURG, S.C. — A violent incident on the South Carolina State University campus left two young men dead and another injured, raising serious concerns about student safety. Witnesses recounted a harrowing scene Thursday night as gunfire erupted, sending students into a panic. Freshman Jasmine Brihm described the chaos, recalling, “Everybody was screaming, and one boy was calling for help.”
The Orangeburg County Coroner identified the deceased as 19-year-old Henry Crittington and 18-year-old Terrell Thomas, both residents of Orangeburg County. While neither victim was enrolled at the university, a third man, who was wounded in the shooting, is a student. His identity remains undisclosed. The gunfire occurred at the Hugine Suites dormitory—an area that had already experienced violence less than six months prior during homecoming week.
The incident has reignited concerns over campus security. Brihm expressed her fears, indicating that unrestricted access to the campus makes students feel vulnerable. “I don’t feel safe low-key because they let anybody on this campus,” she said.
Other students echoed her sentiments. A sophomore named Malachi Banks criticized the university’s security protocols, stating, “They check IDs, but anyone can bring a gun on campus, and nobody will know.” Many students are now questioning what measures will be implemented to enhance safety after this tragic event.
Amid the unrest, some students emphasized a need for collective responsibility. Zeporia Smith urged her peers to hold each other accountable, suggesting, “If you know your friends carry weapons on campus, why not tell them to leave the guns at home?” This sentiment reflects a growing awareness among students about the dual role they play in maintaining a safer environment.
Another student, who chose to be identified only as “Destiney,” highlighted the inadequacies in safety measures at the Hugine Suites. “There are no cameras, and security is minimal,” she said, calling for improvements to protect students living in the dormitory.
As the investigation unfolds, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, although no suspects are currently in custody. The community remains on edge, grappling with the impact of violence on campus life.
Students at South Carolina State University are left grappling with their feelings of safety in the wake of the shooting, as many question how future incidents can be prevented.