On Thursday, two people were injured, and the gunman is dead, according to officials in Norfolk, Virginia.
At 12:15 p.m., Old Dominion University issued an alert:
“This is an all clear notification. The emergency at Constant Hall has ended. There is no longer an active threat to the campus community. Avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency officials continue to work.”
Active Shooter Event at Old Dominion University
At 10:50 a.m., a gunman opened fire in Constant Hall. According to ODU officials, two people were injured and taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in critical condition at 11:15 a.m.
When the active shooter situation began, Logan Hayes, a sophomore at ODU, was taking a test. He said the fire alarm went off, and he ran out of the building. Once outside, Hayes says, “I heard a multitude of gunshots go off and people just screaming.”
He added that the police response was immediate.
Jennifer, another sophomore, says she was waiting for a midterm exam when she heard people saying, “Get out, get out, get out,”
“All of a sudden, we heard a commotion. A lot of people rumbling, starting to get up. The guy next to me, we looked at each other, we started running, and that’s when we heard, you know, gunshots.”
She added, “I’m very, very proud of how quick the situation was handled.”
The school did not say how the gunman died.
Larchmont Elementary, James Monroe Elementary, and W.H. Taylor Elementary are placed on secure hold as Norfolk Police respond, according to Norfolk Public Schools.
University officials advise the public to avoid Constant Hall and the following alert in issued.
“O.D.U. Urgent Alert: Active threat reported at Constant Hall. Follow Run-Hide-Fight protocols. Emergency personnel responding. Avoid area.”
School Response
Brian Hemphill, Ph.D., ODU President, released a 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.
Due to the incident, Old Dominion University has canceled classes and suspended operations on main campus for the remainder of the day, March 12, 2026. Due to the ongoing investigation, please avoid the area in and around Constant Hall and continue to follow instructions from ODU Alerts. Family Information Center is available in Chartway Arena’s Big Blue Room.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to go to Broderick Dining Commons for lunch and counseling support. Talk Campus – a 24/7 peer support community – and other online counseling services and resources are also available for students at www.odu.edu/counseling-services. More information will be provided by the Division of Student and Campus Life. For immediate assistance, please call (757) 683-4401. Additional updates will be shared through ODU Alerts and posted on the ODU homepage at www.odu.edu.
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.”
Sources:
WAVY.com: Gunman dead, 2 injured in Old Dominion University
ABC News: 2 injured, gunman dead in shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia, school says
Featured Image Courtesy of withvengeance86’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
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