Columbia, South Carolina, September 19, 2025
News Summary
In response to rising concerns over campus safety, South Carolina lawmakers are proposing stricter penalties for swatting incidents and mandatory active shooter training for new college students. This decision comes after alarming incidents, including a swatting hoax at the University of South Carolina and the assassination of a conservative activist in Utah. College police chiefs from various universities supported these proposals during a recent legislative panel meeting, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety protocols to protect students.
Columbia, South Carolina – Lawmakers Compel New Safety Measures Following College Safety Hearings
South Carolina lawmakers are moving to impose stricter penalties for swatting incidents and are considering mandatory active shooter training for new college students. This decision comes in light of a legislative panel meeting that heard testimony from college police chiefs regarding essential safety measures in the wake of recent alarming incidents.
The panel was prompted by a swatting hoax occurring at the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus in late August, which set the stage for increased scrutiny into campus safety. The urgency surrounding this issue intensified following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, raising concerns about threats to student safety.
During the recent panel meeting, key representatives from various institutions, including the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina University, and South Carolina State University, provided their insights. The college police chiefs supported the need for enhanced criminal penalties for fake threats and the implementation of mandatory active shooter training for students.
The question of swatting, in particular, has garnered attention, as the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the FBI are currently investigating the August incident at USC. South Carolina’s Attorney General has indicated that recent swatting activities are linked to an online teen crime group known as Purgatory, reflecting the growing issue of digital threats manifesting in real-world scenarios.
Representative Shannon Erickson from Beaufort outlined the imperative for tougher penalties related to disruptive threats and stressed that these incidents significantly impact student learning environments and overall safety. College police chiefs underscored the importance of risk assessment measures and highlighted the ongoing challenges they face in addressing potential threats, especially from long-distance shooters.
Concerns regarding officer shortages are also prevalent, particularly at South Carolina State, where the campus police chief pointed out a need for additional personnel and funding to bolster safety measures. In contrast, the University of South Carolina’s police department managed over 630 events last year, utilizing close to 52,000 staff hours, with several of those events categorized as high-profile.
Regarding the security landscape across various institutions, Clemson University employs 48 officers, while the College of Charleston has 34, and Coastal Carolina has 68 staff members dedicated to policing and safety needs. Coastal Carolina has embraced technology for safety by implementing a safety app designed to facilitate alert communication, suggesting an innovative approach that could be adopted by other colleges.
These developments are part of a broader effort to enhance safety protocols and equip college students and law enforcement agencies in South Carolina with the necessary tools and training to address potential threats effectively. Previous attempts at increasing penalties for swatting have faced challenges, with earlier bills introduced in early 2024 failing to gain traction during hearings, underscoring the need for renewed legislative focus on this issue.
In summary, South Carolina lawmakers are working to enhance campus safety measures through proposed legislation that would create more serious penalties for swatting and require active shooter training for new students. The collaborative efforts among educational institutions and law enforcement emphasize the ongoing commitment to safeguarding student environments in the state.
FAQ
What recent events prompted South Carolina lawmakers to consider stricter penalties for swatting?
The panel meeting was prompted by a swatting hoax at USC’s Columbia campus in late August. The urgency of the matter increased after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Which universities’ police chiefs provided testimony during the legislative panel meeting?
Testimony was taken from campus police chiefs of various universities, including the University of South Carolina, Clemson, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina, and South Carolina State.
What measures are being proposed by Representative Shannon Erickson?
Representative Shannon Erickson announced intentions to strengthen penalties for fake threats and require active shooter training for new college students.
What kind of support did college police chiefs express during the meeting?
College police chiefs expressed support for criminal penalties for fake threats and mandatory active shooter training for college students.
How many events did USC’s police department staff last year, and what was the total staff hours used?
USC’s police force staffed over 630 events last year, requiring nearly 52,000 staff hours, with some events classified as high-profile.
What is the current situation regarding officer shortages among campus police departments?
SC State’s campus police chief indicated a shortage of officers and the need for more personnel and funding for safety measures.
What innovative safety measure has Coastal Carolina implemented?
Coastal Carolina has implemented a safety app that allows alert communication as a potential tool for other colleges.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Stricter Penalties for Swatting | Proposed legislation aims to impose harsher penalties for fake threats against colleges. |
| Active Shooter Training | New requirement for active shooter training for incoming college students. |
| Campus Police Testimonies | Input from police chiefs from multiple South Carolina universities on safety needs. |
| USC Hoax Investigation | Current FBI and State Law Enforcement Division investigation into the USC swatting incident. |
| Officer Shortage | The need for more personnel and funding was highlighted by campus police chiefs. |
| Innovative Safety Measures | Coastal Carolina has implemented a safety app for alert communication. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- SC Daily Gazette: SC Colleges Talk Safety
- Charlotte Observer: Local Crime News
- Business North Carolina: Craven Community College
- Site Selection: Toyota Hiring in North Carolina
- ABC11: College Students React to School Safety
- Wikipedia: Active Shooter
- Google Search: South Carolina college safety
- Google Scholar: College safety measures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Safety
- Google News: South Carolina swatting incident
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
