ORANGEBURG, S.C.(WCSC) – South Carolina State University leaders have canceled classes through Monday in the wake of a Thursday night shooting that killed two Orangeburg County men on campus.
Officials released a statement Friday afternoon alerting students that classes were canceled through Monday and that all weekend activities are also canceled. The men’s basketball game against Morgan State, scheduled for Saturday at the Smith-Middleton-Hamilton Memorial Center, is being postponed to Feb. 25, the statement added.
The Orangeburg County Coroner released the names of the two men who died from their injuries in the shooting Thursday night.
Henry L. Crittington, 19, of Orangeburg, died at the scene, Coroner Sean Fogle said.EMS took the second shooting victim, Terrell Thomas, 18, of Norway, to an area hospital where he died a short time later, Fogle said.
He said both men died of apparent gunshot wounds and scheduled autopsies for next week.A third student wounded in the shooting remained hospitalized on Friday, school leaders said, adding his condition was not provided to the university.
“Our prayers go out to the victims and their families who were impacted by this incident,” the statement read.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division officials say two people are dead and another was hurt after a shooting on the South Carolina State University campus.
The university issued a campus lockdown at about 9:15 p.m. Thursday after reports of a shooting in an apartment at the Hugine Suites student residential complex. SLED agents are investigating the incident.
SLED says all three people who were shot were men. The condition of the third man was not known as of Friday afternoon.
The campus remained on lockdown until about 5 a.m.Friday. SC State says classes on Friday have been canceled, but counselors are available to students who may need help.
Orangeburg Mayor Michael C. Butler released a statement expressing sorrow over the matter:
“Last night our community experienced a tragic act of violence on the campus of South Carolina State University. On behalf of City Council,we are heartbroken to learn that two individuals lost their lives and one person was injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, the students, faculty, and the entire university community during this incredibly tough time.
let me be clear: violence has no place in Orangeburg and it does not reflect who we are as a community. 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.
To the students of SC State and to every resident of our city – we are with you. We will continue to support our university partners and do everything within our power to promote safety, peace, and healing in our community.
May we surround those affected with love and strength in the days ahead.”
agents have not shared any word yet regarding any possible suspects or what may have led up to the deadly shooting.
Anyone with tips that could help solve these killings.