SC university shooting leaves 2 dead, 1 wounded. SLED to investigate
A shooting at South Carolina State University left two people dead and one injured Thursday night.
Following a report of shots fired at an apartment at the Hugine Suites student residential complex, the Orangeburg campus was put on lockdown around 9:15 p.m. According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, three men were shot. One died at the scene, another died at the hospital.
The lockdown was lifted Friday morning around 5 a.m. Friday classes remain canceled.
The university’s Department of Public Safety was assisted by the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office while patrolling campus.
Orangeburg police believe the shooting was an isolated incident.
“We are saddened by the loss of two lives and the injury of another individual. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire university community during this painful time,” Chief Charles Austin Sr. said in a statement. “Moments like these are difficult for any community. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and doing everything in our power to ensure the continued safety and well-being of Orangeburg.”
The victims were identified as Henry L. Crittington, 19, of Orangeburg and Terrell Thomas, 18, of Norway, South Carolina.
“Let me be clear: violence has no place in Orangeburg and it does not reflect who we are as a community,” Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler said in a statement. “Orangeburg is a city rooted in resilience, education, faith, and unity. Moments like this test us, but they also remind us of the importance of standing together. We ask for patience as authorities continue their investigation and for grace as families process unimaginable loss. Now is a time for compassion, prayer, and solidarity.”
School officials ask SLED to investigate the shooting, which is ongoing. Those with information are encouraged to share it with law enforcement.
University officials said counselors are available to students.
This is not the first major shooting at SC State this academic year. One person was killed and two others were injured following multiple incidents over the university’s homecoming weekend in October.
This story was originally published February 13, 2026 at 8:42 AM.
