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A shooting incident at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, has been resolved, with authorities declaring an all-clear on Thursday morning. The tragic event resulted in the death of one individual, while two others sustained injuries. The suspected shooter has also been confirmed deceased, as per university officials.
During a press briefing at 2 p.m., ODU Police Chief Shelton reported that one victim had died, while the other two were now in stable condition. It was also noted that one of the injured individuals managed to reach a hospital in Virginia Beach on their own.
The U.S. Army Cadet Command released a statement confirming that two of the victims were affiliated with the university’s ROTC program. The statement expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “We are deeply saddened by 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.”
The shooting unfolded in Constant Hall around 10:50 a.m. According to ODU officials, two individuals were injured and quickly transported to a nearby medical facility. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital received the victims at about 11:15 a.m., where they were initially in critical condition, as stated by a hospital representative.
A gunman opened fire in Constant Hall at approximately 10:50 a.m. ODU officials said two people were injured as a result and were taken to a local hospital. Both victims were taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital around 11:15 a.m. in critical condition, according to a Sentara official.
An all clear notification was sent by ODU officials around 12:15 p.m. that reads:
“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.”
ODU President Brian Hemphill, Ph.D., issued a statement in reference to the shooting:
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.
ODU sophomore Logan Hayes was in Constant Hall taking a test when the active shooter situation started. He said the fire alarm went off and he ran out of the building.
As soon as he got outside, Logan told WAVY, “I heard about a multitude of gunshots go off and people just screaming.”
He added the police response was immediate and that they assured students were somewhere safe.
All classes and operations on the main campus were suspended for the remainder of the day.
Larchmont Elementary, James Monroe Elementary and W.H. Taylor Elementary are placed on secure hold as Norfolk Police respond, Norfolk Public Schools confirmed.
In a statement, NPS said students from nearly every Norfolk high school were on ODU’s campus for a SOAR tour during the incident. Officials said the students were sheltered in place. All of the students were accounted for and safe.
“All students and staff are secure, and we are following established safety protocols. However, due to the increased police presence NPS security personnel are asking that parents avoid the area at this time,” a spokesperson for Norfolk Public Schools said.
ODU officials advise the public to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency personnel continue to work.
On X, FBI Director Kash Patel said his department is aware of the incident and helping local law enforcement.
FBI personnel are providing assistance and working with local authorities responding to the shooting at Old Dominion University. We will update as able.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 12, 2026
The initial alert put out by ODU reads:
“O.D.U. Urgent Alert: Active threat reported at Constant Hall. Follow Run-Hide-Fight protocols. Emergency personnel responding. Avoid area,” the alert reads.
Several WAVY 10 crews are at the scene and will provide additional details as it develops.