Columbia, September 19, 2025
News Summary
In response to recent safety incidents, South Carolina lawmakers are advocating for stronger penalties for swatting and mandatory active shooter training for college students. A meeting on September 16 included legislative leaders and campus police chiefs, who discussed the pressing need for enhanced safety protocols. The urgency stemmed from a swatting hoax at the University of South Carolina, which led to chaos and an active shooter alert. Lawmakers aim to introduce legislation by 2026 to address these safety concerns comprehensively.
Columbia
South Carolina lawmakers are taking significant steps to enhance campus safety by considering stronger penalties for swatting incidents and implementing mandatory active shooter training for college students. This comes in light of recent safety concerns, particularly following a swatting hoax at the University of South Carolina (USC) and the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
The meeting held on September 16, 2025, featured South Carolina Rep. Shannon Erickson, R-Beaufort, and Rep. Kambrell Garvin, D-Columbia, alongside college police chiefs who gathered to discuss safety measures on campus. Chairwoman Erickson intends to advocate for tougher consequences for false threats and introduce mandatory active shooter training for incoming college students, aiming for legislation in 2026.
These discussions gained urgency as the USC swatting incident triggered widespread fear and created chaos on campus, leading to an active shooter alert being issued. Attorney General Alan Wilson linked the surge in swatting calls to a teenage crime group known as Purgatory, underscoring the severity and prevalence of such incidents.
In a related event demonstrating the broader implications of these threats, a private K-12 school on Hilton Head Island was forced to cancel classes after receiving an undisclosed threat. This incident illustrates the ripple effect swatting can have across various educational institutions.
Campus police chiefs expressed strong support for imposing criminal penalties on individuals responsible for making fake threats. They also highlighted the pressing need for mandatory active shooter training for students, noting that there is currently no structured introduction to safety for new college attendees.
The USC police provided insights into their risk assessment procedures for events, which involve evaluating the behaviors of speakers and implementing security measures. Such measures at controversial events include drone surveillance, bomb-sniffing dogs, and physical barriers to separate various groups, illustrating the proactive approach taken by campus security.
However, concerns were raised about insufficient personnel. Richard Johnson, SC State’s campus police chief, indicated his department is currently staffed with only 10 sworn officers, while he believes they need a force of 16 to 20 to ensure adequate safety. Many officers voiced worries about burnout stemming from long hours and a shortage of staff.
Last year, the USC police department managed over 630 events, dedicating almost 52,000 staff hours solely to public safety. In comparison, Clemson University fields 48 officers, and College of Charleston relies on 34 campus officers supplemented by Charleston’s city police department. Coastal Carolina University is developing a new mobile app to improve communication regarding emergencies, allowing users to send alerts directly to law enforcement, which Erickson commended as a potential model for other institutions.
Lawmakers are expected to consider proposed legislation and budget requests related to these safety enhancements when they reconvene in January 2026, reflecting the urgent needs for improved campus security across South Carolina.
FAQ
What legislation are South Carolina lawmakers considering?
South Carolina lawmakers are considering stronger penalties for swatting and mandatory active shooter training for college students in 2026.
What prompted the discussion on campus safety?
The discussion was prompted by a swatting hoax at the University of South Carolina and the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
What was the impact of the USC swatting incident?
The USC swatting incident triggered fears and chaos, prompting an active shooter alert on campus.
What recommendations did campus police chiefs support?
Campus police chiefs expressed support for criminal penalties against individuals making fake threats and emphasized the need for mandatory active shooter training for students.
When will lawmakers review the proposed safety measures?
Lawmakers will consider legislation and budget requests concerning these safety measures when they reconvene in January 2026.
Key Features of Proposed Campus Safety Measures
| Proposed Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Stronger Penalties for Swatting | Increased criminal penalties for individuals making false threats to law enforcement. |
| Mandatory Active Shooter Training | Required training for new college students on how to respond during active shooter situations. |
| Increased Campus Police Staffing | Push for more sworn officers on campus to ensure adequate safety and reduce burnout. |
| Emergency Communication App | Development of apps for quick communication about emergencies, with alert capabilities for users. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- SC Daily Gazette
- Wikipedia: Active shooter
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Campus safety
- WIS TV
- Google Scholar: Campus safety legislation
- Greenville Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legislation
- WYFF 4
- Google News: South Carolina college police
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