Suspect Killed, Deputy Hospitalized After Shooting at Columbia Gun Show

One person died and a Lexington County deputy sustained injuries during a shooting at a gun and knife show on Saturday according to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

The incident unfolded at the Jamil Shrine Temple near Interstate 26 in Columbia, where emergency services rushed to the scene following initial reports of gunfire, The State reported. A patron attending the exhibition shot a deputy working security at the venue, prompting the officer to return fire and kill the suspect.

Medical personnel transported the wounded deputy to a nearby hospital for surgery. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department confirmed on Saturday afternoon that the deputy was in stable condition.

Authorities Investigate Shooting Motive and Sequence of Events

The Lexington County Coroner’s Office has not yet publicly identified the deceased suspect. Authorities reported no other injuries resulting from the gunfire.

Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the shooting or established the exact sequence of events leading up to the violence. It remains unclear whether any firearms displayed at the exhibition were utilized in the incident, according to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

Because a law enforcement officer was involved in the exchange of gunfire, the sheriff’s department requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to lead the investigation. A heavy law enforcement presence from multiple regional agencies secured the area near the St. Andrews Road exit, causing traffic delays throughout the afternoon.

Organizers Cancel Sunday Exhibition After Saturday Violence

Organizers with the South Carolina Arms Collectors Association initially planned for the exhibition to run through a second day on Sunday. Those plans were scrapped following Saturday’s violence.

“Due to Saturday’s unfortunate circumstances, the SCACA Gun & Knife Show will be canceled for Sunday,” the group said on social media. Organizers added an apology for any inconvenience caused by the abrupt closure.

Law enforcement officials confirmed by mid-afternoon that the active threat had been resolved. Local drivers were advised to seek alternate routes near Jamil Road and St. Andrews Road while investigators processed the scene.