A 36-year-old Columbia man was found dead on the morning of Aug. 22 at the Palmetto State Armory shooting range from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

His identity was not immediately available, as the department’s investigation into the incident continues.

According to a redacted incident report provided to the Chronicle, preliminary findings indicate it was “an apparent suicide.”

Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher could not be reached for comment on her findings.

According to reports provided by the sheriff's department, deputies responded to a call from management at the gun range who found the victim around 11 a.m. EMS officials were called and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

When reached about the incident, an official with Palmetto State Armory said he could not comment at the present time.

The armory, located at 3760 Fernandina Road, temporarily closed facilities soon after the shooting.

According to the company’s website, Palmetto State Armory has six retail locations in South Carolina and one each in Georgia and North Carolina, most of which have shooting ranges attached. The company manufactures a variety of guns and puts an emphasis on AR-15s. 

The “About PSA” page on the company’s website emphasizes its mission as “Freedom over profit.”

“Since its inception, Palmetto State Armory has focused on providing the best quality AR-15 parts and accessories for the best price possible,” it reads. “Following year after year of exponential growth, Palmetto State Armory’s core principle remains the same, and our commitment to freedom before profit remains unwavering. The idea is simple: sell as many guns to as many law-abiding Americans as possible.”

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.