Key takeaways:
- A shooting at Old Dominion University’s Constant Hall resulted in two people critically injured and the gunman’s death; the incident occurred around 10:49 a.m. and led to class suspension for the day.
- Law enforcement, including Norfolk Police and ATF agents, responded quickly; the shooter was neutralized by 11:30 a.m., and the injured were hospitalized in critical condition.
- University and state officials emphasized campus safety and support, while students described chaotic evacuations; the investigation is ongoing with updates promised.
A shooting incident occurred Thursday morning at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, resulting in two people critically injured and the death of the gunman. The event took place in Constant Hall, a building within the College of Business, at approximately 10:49 a.m., according to an emergency alert issued by the university.
Following the shooting, the university sent out urgent notifications to students and staff, warning of an active threat in the building. By 11:30 a.m., officials confirmed that the shooter had been neutralized and that there was no longer an active threat on campus. Classes were suspended for the remainder of the day, and the university advised the community to avoid the area around Constant Hall. The identities of the injured victims and the gunman have not been released.
The two individuals wounded in the shooting were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where they remain in critical condition, according to a hospital spokesperson. Law enforcement agencies, including the Norfolk Police Department and the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), responded promptly to the scene. The ATF confirmed the presence of agents at the university during the incident.
University President Brian O. Hemphill expressed gratitude toward law enforcement for their swift response and emphasized the institution’s commitment to campus safety. “We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times,” Hemphill said in a statement. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger also commented on the situation, noting that her administration was closely monitoring developments and coordinating with local emergency responders to provide support to ODU and the city of Norfolk.
Students present during the shooting described chaotic scenes as they evacuated the building. One junior student told local media that faint screams were initially heard, which escalated before the fire alarm sounded, prompting a hurried exit. Another student recounted the terror of the moment, noting that many initially believed the alarm was a routine drill. The incident remains under investigation, with authorities continuing to gather information. The university has pledged to provide updates as more details become available.
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