SC State shooting has freshmen concerned about homecoming
By: ALEXIS WILSON
Oct 22, 2025
(US Centers for Disease Control graphic)
It has been more than two weeks since a shooting at South Carolina State University's homecoming claimed one life and left two people injured.
The event still deeply affects students, including »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓstudents who attended homecoming at the neighboring institution. Some from the »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓfreshman class voiced their thoughts about attendance at their homecoming.
Naveya Lagroon cited the PTSD she experienced because of the shooting.
“Attending the State homecoming triggered PTSD due to a past traumatic experience involving gun violence, specifically the loss of a friend at a party,” Lagroon said.
Lagroon said that because of the fatal shooting at SC State’s homecoming, she does not feel safe attending Claflin’s homecoming in November.
Another freshman, Ariana Jenkins, said she did not attend the SC State events, but she is saddened by the shooting and loss of life.
“It was very sad that people had gotten hurt, and one passed away,” Jenkins said.
Similar to Lagroon, Jenkins is hesitant to attend Claflin’s homecoming.
“It makes me feel unsure to go because I don’t want just anyone coming to our homecoming,” Jenkins said.
De’Sharion Burnette, freshman class president, gave Panther reporters a statement regarding the SC State homecoming shooting.
“Firstly, I want to express how incredibly proud and grateful I am for the way our campus village has come together supporting one another, showing up and truly becoming like family,” Burnette said.
Burnette encouraged his classmates to persevere, telling the class of 2029 to “not allow setbacks to keep us down for long; instead, let’s rise stronger together.”
He said this setback is the fuel needed to continue their aspirations in college.
Burnette used a Bible verse at the end of his statement, “Jeremiah 33:6 promises, ‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”
»¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓrecently held a forum with Student Government Association President Kamille Whaley, Students Activities Board President Tiara Harewood and the president of the university, Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, to have a conversation with students about Claflin’s upcoming homecoming.
The university is taking the necessary steps to ensure a safe homecoming for all, Warmack said.