2 dead, including suspect, after shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia
NORFOLK, Va. (TNND) — Two people are dead — including the gunman — and two others are injured after a shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday morning, officials said.
The university said the suspect opened fire at Constant Hall, the school’s College of Business, shortly before 10:49 a.m. and emergency personnel responded immediately.
ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton confirmed during a news conference that two of the victims, who are affiliated with the university, were in stable condition. Shelton added that police later learned one of the people injured took themselves to a hospital in Virginia Beach.
U.S. Army Cadet Command said in a statement obtained by WAVY that two of the victims are members of the university’s ROTC program. None of the victims’ identities has been released.
“We are deeply saddened from the active shooter incident that occurred at Old Dominion University on March 12, 2026. We can confirm that two members of the university ROTC program were shot and were taken to a local hospital to treat their injuries.”
It is not currently known if the shooting was a targeted attack, officials said during the news conference. Norfolk police will lead the investigation.
The university gave the all clear at 12:05 p.m., notifying students that classes had been canceled for the rest of the day. Students and faculty are asked to avoid the area while emergency responders continue to investigate.
University President Brian O. Hemphill released the following statement:
“Earlier today, March 12, 2026, Old Dominion University faced a tragedy on our main campus. I am grateful for the swift response of our police officers, emergency management personnel, and our partners at the City of Norfolk who promptly assisted the injured.”
“The safety of our campus community is my top priority. We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times. We take this responsibility very seriously and remain vigilant in our efforts to maintain a safe campus. I extend my thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the incident, as well as the entire campus and the broader community.”
ODU sophomore Logan Hayes told WAVY he was taking a test when the active-shooter situation unfolded. He added that the fire alarm went off and he ran out of Constant Hall.
“I heard about a multitude of gunshots go off and people just screaming,” he said.
Zachary Mulder, another student, told WTKR he wasn’t sure what was going on but just knew he had to leave immediately.
“It was terrifying, I just knew I had to leave from the direction of where everybody was running from,” Mulder said.
In response to the shooting, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi, whose wife works at ODU, warned that there will be more school shootings unless gun control measures are passed by lawmakers.
An alert telling students and faculty to “follow run-hide-right protocols” was sent out by the university at 10:48 a.m.
“ODU Urgent Alert: Active threat reported at Constant Hall. Follow Run-Hide-Fight protocols. Emergency personnel responding. Avoid area,” the alert read.
A Family Information Center was set up at the Big Blue Room at Chartway Arena, according to ODU, and is open until 10 p.m. Counseling support is also available at Broderick Dining Commons for students, faculty and staff.
The university will also be closed on Friday, March 13, to provide counseling and other support for the campus and community.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger noted on social media that she is “closely monitoring the on-campus shooting” and spoke with university leadership.
“My Administration remains in close contact with local emergency responders as state support is being mobilized to assist ODU and Norfolk,” wrote on X. “I encourage students, faculty, and community members to continue following guidance issued by local law enforcement. I thank all first responders on the scene.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said agents are “providing assistance and working with local authorities responding to the shooting.”
______________
This is breaking news and will be updated.
First Appeared on
Source link
