COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following statement on the shootings at South Carolina State University on Saturday, October 4:
“I offer my sincere condolences and heartfelt empathies to the victims of the shootings that took place at South Carolina State University. As a ‘loyal son’ and proud alumnus of SCSU, this incident is a horrific tragedy to many of us who celebrated homecoming this weekend.
“Homecoming is about students, their friends and families, none of whom should be subjected to such senseless acts. The epidemic of gun violence exacts far too high a toll on our communities – and we experienced it happening right here in South Carolina and Montgomery, Alabama this past weekend.
“None of the victims, or currently identified perpetrators, are South Carolina State students. But these shootings call into question “open carry” laws that make the lives of college administrators difficult and put the lives of innocents at risk.
“But we know something fundamental needs to change to protect South Carolinians from these kinds of tragedies. The scourge of violence must end, and it is incumbent upon all of us to do what is right to safeguard our communities.”
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