Full Breakdown
Shooting Incident at Old Dominion University: Overview and Response
3/13/2026, 2:35:47 AM
Incident Overview
On March 12, 2026, a shooting occurred at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, shortly before 10:49 a.m. A gunman opened fire inside Constant Hall, the university's main building for the College of Business, injuring two individuals who were subsequently transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in critical condition. The shooter was declared deceased at the scene, although details regarding the circumstances of their death remain unclear.
Emergency Response and Campus Impact
Following the shooting, ODU issued an urgent alert instructing students and faculty to follow "Run-Hide-Fight" protocols and to avoid the area surrounding Constant Hall. The university canceled all classes and operations for the remainder of the day, emphasizing the need for safety as emergency personnel responded to the incident. By 12:15 p.m., ODU announced that the situation was under control and that there was no longer an active threat to the campus community.
Local law enforcement, including the Norfolk Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), responded promptly to the scene. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger stated that her administration was in close contact with university leadership and local emergency responders, mobilizing state support to assist in the aftermath of the shooting.
Eyewitness Accounts
Students present during the incident described a chaotic scene. Logan Hayes, an ODU sophomore, recounted hearing screams and gunfire while taking a test in Constant Hall. He noted the immediate response from police, which provided some reassurance amid the panic. Another student, Zachary Mulder, expressed relief at escaping the situation, stating, "I’m just glad to be alive, honestly, and shaken up."
Official Statements and Responses
In a statement, ODU's Vice President for University Communications, Kimberly Osborne, confirmed the active threat and the university's response. She indicated that further details would be provided as they became available. Additionally, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that FBI personnel were assisting local authorities in the investigation.
Governor Spanberger emphasized the importance of following guidance from law enforcement and expressed gratitude for the first responders on the scene. Senator Mark Warner also issued a statement expressing his concern and support for the affected community.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the university confirmed that two individuals were injured and the shooter was deceased, the specific identities of the victims and the shooter have not been publicly disclosed. Additionally, the exact circumstances surrounding the shooter's death remain unclear, with no information provided on whether it was due to self-infliction or law enforcement action.
Conclusion
The shooting at Old Dominion University marks a significant incident in the ongoing discussion about campus safety and gun violence in educational institutions. As investigations continue, the university community is left to process the events of the day, with counseling and support resources expected to be made available in the coming days. The situation remains under investigation, and further updates will be provided as more information is confirmed.
