The Five Points business district of downtown Columbia, S.C. is safe … or so say the city’s mayor and police chief.
Mayor Steve Benjamin and police chief Randy Scott addressed the media this week after gunfire rang out for the second straight weekend in the popular college district.
“Five Points is a safe place,” Scott said. “Incidents will happen, but I can tell you that it is well-protected.”
Five Points has seen a dramatic uptick in violence recently – most of it emanating from black gang members. And in addition to the latest shootings, a black suspect reportedly raped a female University of South Carolina student last week just a few blocks away from the district.
Benjamin and Scott are both black … but that’s not our problem with them. We don’t like Benjamin because he’s corrupt and incompetent (and usually drunk), and we don’t like Scott because he’s just plain incompetent.
Seriously … law enforcement is one of the few core functions government ought to perform. Why can’t these clowns get it right?
Five Points is NOT safe. Throughout downtown Columbia, S.C., things have become increasingly dangerous – especially if you’re a young woman.
But hey … let’s continue to ban college kids from carrying concealed weapons to protect themselves.
Cause that should work out well …
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76 comments
Safe for me, cause I don’t go down there at night. Seriously, what has happened down there? I spent many a night there in the ’70s and ’80s and everyone was interested in good time, not fighting and shooting.
Safe for me, cause I don’t go down there at night. Seriously, what has happened down there? I spent many a night there in the ’70s and ’80s and everyone was interested in good time, not fighting and shooting.
I live about a mile from Five Points. I am one of many who are considering moving–not just out of Columbia, but out of Richland County.
I live about a mile from Five Points. I am one of many who are considering moving–not just out of Columbia, but out of Richland County.
I used to live in Five Points and cops are scared of gangs. They’re more concerned about underage drinking than the crack houses, aggressive panhandlers, or groups of thugs.
Busting white kids for underage drinking is low hanging fruit for cops.
It’s like giving tickets day after day, month after month, for piddling “no thru traffic” violations on Confederate Avenue, while truly dangerous red-light runners rule the entire city, year after year.
Gangs? What gangs? Good luck getting Chief Scott and Mayor Benjamin to admit Columbia has a gang problem. We have gangs here?
I used to live in Five Points and cops are scared of gangs. They’re more concerned about underage drinking than the crack houses, aggressive panhandlers, or groups of thugs.
Busting white kids for underage drinking is low hanging fruit for cops.
It’s like giving tickets day after day, month after month, for piddling “no thru traffic” violations on Confederate Avenue, while truly dangerous red-light runners rule the entire city, year after year.
Gangs? What gangs? Good luck getting Chief Scott and Mayor Benjamin to admit Columbia has a gang problem. We have gangs here?
The problem is simple, but no one from the city or MSM will come right on out and say it: The reason 5 Points has gotten this way is because there has been a tremendous influx of black people going there at night. When they go out at night they like to shoot guns at each other and rape women. You might say I’m stereotyping, but THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING IN 5 POINTS.
its the folk nation and the blood in a turf war because the clubs on 2notch got shut down
I live about 2 miles from 5 Points and can hear gun fire almost nightly, sometimes automatic or bursts from rifles. It’s no doubt coming from Gonzalez Gardens, Waverly, MLK, and surrounding areas. Homeland Security should make themselves useful and canvas these high crime areas. Make it impossible for them to deal drugs, pimp women, shoot it out with each other, etc. That’s assuming that the federal, state and local authorities want anything to change and you know what they say about assuming.
The problem is simple, but no one from the city or MSM will come right on out and say it: The reason 5 Points has gotten this way is because there has been a tremendous influx of black people going there at night. When they go out at night they like to shoot guns at each other and rape women. You might say I’m stereotyping, but THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING IN 5 POINTS.
its the folk nation and the blood in a turf war because the clubs on 2notch got shut down
I live about 2 miles from 5 Points and can hear gun fire almost nightly, sometimes automatic or bursts from rifles. It’s no doubt coming from Gonzalez Gardens, Waverly, MLK, and surrounding areas. Homeland Security should make themselves useful and canvas these high crime areas. Make it impossible for them to deal drugs, pimp women, shoot it out with each other, etc. That’s assuming that the federal, state and local authorities want anything to change and you know what they say about assuming.
What’s the big surprise? Five Points is located right beside MLK Park. Go figure…..
They do no favors to MLK’s legacy with that kind of conduct.
there were issues before, but nothing like this, and never so brazen. this all started after the 2notch clubs started getting shut down for the same reasons, now its moving into 5 points….which will get shut down for the same reason, then it will move to the vista
What’s the big surprise? Five Points is located right beside MLK Park. Go figure…..
They do no favors to MLK’s legacy with that kind of conduct.
there were issues before, but nothing like this, and never so brazen. this all started after the 2notch clubs started getting shut down for the same reasons, now its moving into 5 points….which will get shut down for the same reason, then it will move to the vista
we don’t like Scott because he’s just plain incompetent
Why can’t these clowns get it right?
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Too true, sadly too true.
Why can’t Columbia–a fair-sized capital city and university city–have a sharp, professional, safety- and protection-oriented police chief and thereby police force? Why such a series of posing political clowns for so many years?
They had one with Dean Crisp. He was white and was doing his job. Not a good mix in Cola.
Crisp’s goal was to suspend of fire the entire department. His stock in trade was, “we are going to make an example out of you”. The best Chief they ever had was Tandy Carter. He cared about his troops and he was anti-criminal.
these days, someone needs to have an example made out of them….how long did it take to find a body in a parking gargage? how long does it take to call a family member to open up the desk of a missing person?
Hey Charlemagne, I am 100% with you. In the case you mentioned, the current Napoleonic Chief made an example but unfortunately, it was the wrong people he made an example of. He fired and forced into retirement, two veteran, productive, and trustworthy people. He did that to save the ass of himself and his right hand ass kisser. The people who should have been made an example of were not touched, sad to say.
we don’t like Scott because he’s just plain incompetent
Why can’t these clowns get it right?
=================
Too true, sadly too true.
Why can’t Columbia–a fair-sized capital city and university city–have a sharp, professional, safety- and protection-oriented police chief and thereby police force? Why such a series of posing political clowns for so many years?
They had one with Dean Crisp. He was white and was doing his job. Not a good mix in Cola.
Crisp’s goal was to suspend of fire the entire department. His stock in trade was, “we are going to make an example out of you”. The best Chief they ever had was Tandy Carter. He cared about his troops and he was anti-criminal.
these days, someone needs to have an example made out of them….how long did it take to find a body in a parking gargage? how long does it take to call a family member to open up the desk of a missing person?
Hey Charlemagne, I am 100% with you. In the case you mentioned, the current Napoleonic Chief made an example but unfortunately, it was the wrong people he made an example of. He fired and forced into retirement, two veteran, productive, and trustworthy people. He did that to save the ass of himself and his right hand ass kisser. The people who should have been made an example of were not touched, sad to say.
Looks like Benjamin is doing for Columbia what Rahm is doing for Chi-Town and Obama is doing to the country…
How in the H#!! do these worthless politcians get elected over and over…
We better hope we don’t get the kinda country a majority of these idiots voting, deserve…
Ask Joe means no jobs Wilson how he keeps getting elected over and over.
Amazon and Nephron (jobs, jobs, jobs) are in Joe’s district. Lexington County (Joe’s home county) has the lowest unemployment rate in SC.
You might better do a little homework before you run your mouth, Because you spout like an IDIOT…..
right on,tt boy-joe gives GREAT jobs!
Looks like Benjamin is doing for Columbia what Rahm is doing for Chi-Town and Obama is doing to the country…
How in the H#!! do these worthless politcians get elected over and over…
We better hope we don’t get the kinda country a majority of these idiots voting, deserve…
Ask Joe means no jobs Wilson how he keeps getting elected over and over.
Amazon and Nephron (jobs, jobs, jobs) are in Joe’s district. Lexington County (Joe’s home county) has the lowest unemployment rate in SC.
You might better do a little homework before you run your mouth, Because you spout like an IDIOT…..
right on,tt boy-joe gives GREAT jobs!
Five points…??
OK, so……what about Walterboro..?? …..North Charleston…..?? Myrtle Beach..??
…….White Horse Road..?? Boiling Springs..?? North Augusta..??
Geez…???
White Horse Road is safe unless you are on a moped
You name 5 cities and one street that is 12 miles long in a County. Dude, this is about one little biz district in the highest profile location in our state. I wouldn’t go there without a heater.
Five points…??
OK, so……what about Walterboro..?? …..North Charleston…..?? Myrtle Beach..??
…….White Horse Road..?? Boiling Springs..?? North Augusta..??
Geez…???
White Horse Road is safe unless you are on a moped
You name 5 cities and one street that is 12 miles long in a County. Dude, this is about one little biz district in the highest profile location in our state. I wouldn’t go there without a heater.
I don’t know why you people won’t admit why you are so disgruntled. Columbia is in America and it’s changing to include leadership across the country. Have you people considered moving like to Texas or North or South Dakota?
yes!
This idiot trolled me on Twitter all weekend spouting this same brand of nonsense. If what’s going on in Columbia is your idea of leadership, maybe you need to move somewhere else. Halfwitted lapdog imbeciles like you ARE the problem with America. #obamazombies
Leadership? Where?
In his liberal infected mind. You should read some of the asinine stuff he was spouting at my via Twitter. Hateful, intolerant, and about as ignorant as they come.
I don’t know why you people won’t admit why you are so disgruntled. Columbia is in America and it’s changing to include leadership across the country. Have you people considered moving like to Texas or North or South Dakota?
yes!
This idiot trolled me on Twitter all weekend spouting this same brand of nonsense. If what’s going on in Columbia is your idea of leadership, maybe you need to move somewhere else. Halfwitted lapdog imbeciles like you ARE the problem with America. #obamazombies
Leadership? Where?
In his liberal infected mind. You should read some of the asinine stuff he was spouting at my via Twitter. Hateful, intolerant, and about as ignorant as they come.
FITS: One interesting notion about concealed carry on campus is that it would still be illegal to carry into businesses that serve alcohol as per state law. Five Points probably couldn’t be saved by a few CWP holders anyways, as thugs would likely resort to jumping people in numbers then.
Five Points will not be safe for a long ass time…
I thought they already jump people in numbers.
Repealing the prohibition on carrying into places that serve alcohol could soon be a reality. Still no drinking, so perhaps instead of a designated driver, groups could go out with a designated carrier. Thugs aren’t necessarily stupid. Once they realize folks could be carrying (after a couple get popped, perhaps), they may decide to start behaving in a little more civilized fashion.
The SC prison population is mostly black.
Anyways, no matter how you slice or dice it, the chief of police is a total loser. Any leader worth their salt would have already saturated that area and done drug sweeps. The mayor and the chief both needsto be fired! They are nothing more that psychopath bs artist. OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!
FITS: One interesting notion about concealed carry on campus is that it would still be illegal to carry into businesses that serve alcohol as per state law. Five Points probably couldn’t be saved by a few CWP holders anyways, as thugs would likely resort to jumping people in numbers then.
Five Points will not be safe for a long ass time…
I thought they already jump people in numbers.
Repealing the prohibition on carrying into places that serve alcohol could soon be a reality. Still no drinking, so perhaps instead of a designated driver, groups could go out with a designated carrier. Thugs aren’t necessarily stupid. Once they realize folks could be carrying (after a couple get popped, perhaps), they may decide to start behaving in a little more civilized fashion.
The SC prison population is mostly black.
Anyways, no matter how you slice or dice it, the chief of police is a total loser. Any leader worth their salt would have already saturated that area and done drug sweeps. The mayor and the chief both needsto be fired! They are nothing more that psychopath bs artist. OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!
weve got cops who dont do anything but try to get underaged drinkers, they congregate around the fountain instead of actually walking a beat and removing loiterers (loitering is still a crime you can write a ticket for btw). scott said last they knew the library was a problem bar….if thats the case why did your officers have to RESPOND why werent they already there. because they were complementing each others nice pressed blues at the exon.
to this day, i dont think ive heard scott or benjy talk about the problem with GANGS, just alcohol
Interesting point I saw on Facebook “Does anyone know how the latest 5pts shooter got his gun? No. It hasn’t been discussed. We’re more focused on gun control for law-abiding citizens. Lets start with enforcing the laws already on the books.”
weve got cops who dont do anything but try to get underaged drinkers, they congregate around the fountain instead of actually walking a beat and removing loiterers (loitering is still a crime you can write a ticket for btw). scott said last they knew the library was a problem bar….if thats the case why did your officers have to RESPOND why werent they already there. because they were complementing each others nice pressed blues at the exon.
to this day, i dont think ive heard scott or benjy talk about the problem with GANGS, just alcohol
Interesting point I saw on Facebook “Does anyone know how the latest 5pts shooter got his gun? No. It hasn’t been discussed. We’re more focused on gun control for law-abiding citizens. Lets start with enforcing the laws already on the books.”
I lived in Columbia in the early 80’s when they revitalized that area. Used to go there with my wife all the time. Wouldn’t go there now by myself even with my conceal weapon on me.
Leon Lott does his job and shuts down dangerous clubs in the county. The people who went there were bound to find some place to go out at night. CPD was either unprepared or chose to ignore the likely effects of those bars shutting down.
I lived in Columbia in the early 80’s when they revitalized that area. Used to go there with my wife all the time. Wouldn’t go there now by myself even with my conceal weapon on me.
Leon Lott does his job and shuts down dangerous clubs in the county. The people who went there were bound to find some place to go out at night. CPD was either unprepared or chose to ignore the likely effects of those bars shutting down.
however somehow this will turn into the bar’s fault. did you know the door staff is responcible for knowing how much a person has had to drink at another bar or before coming downtown.
however somehow this will turn into the bar’s fault. did you know the door staff is responcible for knowing how much a person has had to drink at another bar or before coming downtown.
My email to Mayor Benjamin and city council this morning. No response as of yet. Not surprised.
Good morning,
Last night I read a statement from Chief Scott on WIS Facebook’s page. I’m sure you’ve heard about, but I’ll quote it for you again in case it didn’t make it to your radars.
“Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott says he’s tired of hearing complaints about security in Five Points.”
I was shocked when I read this. It’s clear to anyone that’s paying attention that he’s in way over his head with the skyrocketing crime in Columbia, but to scold the tax payers for voicing concerns about the rampant issues plaguing one of Columbia’s oldest entertainment districts is unacceptable. The citizens of Columbia are tired too. Tired of the endless crime blotters. Tired of hearing gunfire emanating from Gonzales Gardens, Waverly, MLK, 5 Points and the surrounding areas. Tired of paying two salaries to a man that can’t seem to get control of his streets. I realize the matter of fighting crime is a rather amorphous task, especially in a city that seems to be spiraling out of control, but you’d think Chief Scott would not make statements to the media that make him sound like a kicking screaming little half man.
How do city officials plan on dealing with his unprofessionalism and candor towards the people that pay his salary? At the very least someone should tell him to keep his mouth shut if he can’t come up with anything constructive to say. Wouldn’t you agree?
My email to Mayor Benjamin and city council this morning. No response as of yet. Not surprised.
Good morning,
Last night I read a statement from Chief Scott on WIS Facebook’s page. I’m sure you’ve heard about, but I’ll quote it for you again in case it didn’t make it to your radars.
“Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott says he’s tired of hearing complaints about security in Five Points.”
I was shocked when I read this. It’s clear to anyone that’s paying attention that he’s in way over his head with the skyrocketing crime in Columbia, but to scold the tax payers for voicing concerns about the rampant issues plaguing one of Columbia’s oldest entertainment districts is unacceptable. The citizens of Columbia are tired too. Tired of the endless crime blotters. Tired of hearing gunfire emanating from Gonzales Gardens, Waverly, MLK, 5 Points and the surrounding areas. Tired of paying two salaries to a man that can’t seem to get control of his streets. I realize the matter of fighting crime is a rather amorphous task, especially in a city that seems to be spiraling out of control, but you’d think Chief Scott would not make statements to the media that make him sound like a kicking screaming little half man.
How do city officials plan on dealing with his unprofessionalism and candor towards the people that pay his salary? At the very least someone should tell him to keep his mouth shut if he can’t come up with anything constructive to say. Wouldn’t you agree?