COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTV) – The recent active shooter hoax at the University of South Carolina was triggered by an “online gore-seeking group,” according to the state attorney general.
The Aug. 24 hoax happened when someone — now identified as a group called “Purgatory” — reported there was an active shooter near the university’s Thomas Cooper Library.
State Attorney General Alan Wilson said a security organization linked the hoax call to Purgatory, and said the leader of the group claimed responsibility for the hoax.
Immediately after the call was received, the university sent out a series of alerts, beginning just after 6:30 p.m.