In a concerning incident, South Carolina State University (SCSU) was placed on lockdown after the campus received a report of shots fired in an academic building. Campus police swiftly responded to the situation, leading to the arrest of 19-year-old sophomore, Rolando J. Ifill, in a foot chase. Ifill, hailing from Charleston, now faces charges of carrying a firearm on school property.

The lockdown, which began at 11:30 a.m., lasted for nearly an hour, concluding at 12:26 p.m., as SCSU officials ensured the safety of the campus community. Claflin University, located nearby, also enacted a lockdown following the incident. President Dwaun Warmack of Claflin University released a statement indicating that the lockdown was prompted by an SCSU student seeking refuge in Claflin's dining hall. The student sustained minor injuries from broken glass but is reportedly receiving the necessary care and is now safe.

Law enforcement authorities at SCSU, aided by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division, are intensifying their efforts to investigate the shooting incident further. As of now, campus police continue to gather evidence and information to determine the circumstances surrounding the reported shots fired.

The incident highlights the ongoing concerns around campus safety and the need for heightened security measures. SCSU and Claflin University are expected to review their existing safety protocols and address any potential loopholes to ensure the well-being of their students and staff.

The university authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information about the incident to come forward, urging the community to help in the investigation. Meanwhile, students and staff at both SCSU and Claflin University are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately.

As the investigation unfolds, the involved authorities are determined to maintain transparency and provide updates regarding the incident to the public.