Columbia, S.C.- In a harrowing turn of events, a South Carolina high school community is plunged into mourning following a weekend shooting that claimed the lives of three teenage students.
According to a news release from the Richland County Sheriff's Department, sheriff’s deputies swiftly responded to the incident in Columbia, the state capital, just after 2 p.m. on Sunday. Upon arrival, they discovered four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds, all of whom were promptly transported to a nearby hospital.
Tragically, three of the victims, aged 16 and 17, succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The fourth victim was treated and subsequently released. Details regarding the identity of the perpetrator remain undisclosed at this time.
The fallen teenagers were all students of Eau Claire High School, as confirmed by a statement from Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon. In response to this "unimaginable tragedy," the district has mobilized additional counseling and heightened security measures at the high school on Monday. Witherspoon expressed profound sorrow over the incident, denouncing it as an act of "senseless gun violence."
This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for continued efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of students within our educational institutions. The community rallies together in support of the grieving families and the Eau Claire High School community during this profoundly difficult time.