Old Dominion University Shooting: Factual Trend Summary of the Norfolk Campus Incident
A gunman opened fire at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, injuring two individuals inside Constant Hall. The shooter was confirmed deceased following the incident, and the victims were transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Authorities secured the campus after a period of lockdown, and an official investigation into the motive is currently underway.
TL;DR
- A shooting at Old Dominion University's Constant Hall left two victims in critical condition.
- The suspected gunman is confirmed dead at the scene.
- The campus was placed under an immediate lockdown and later cleared by law enforcement.
- University operations were suspended as police launched a full-scale investigation into the attack.
What Happened
On the morning of March 12, 2026, law enforcement responded to reports of an active threat at Constant Hall, a building housing the Strome College of Business at Old Dominion University. The incident began when an unidentified gunman entered the facility and discharged a firearm, striking two people. ODU Police and Norfolk Police arrived on the scene shortly after the initial reports were received to confront the threat.
During the police response, the university issued a campus-wide alert advising students and staff to "Run, Hide, Fight" and to seek immediate shelter. Witnesses reported a heavy police presence and tactical units entering Constant Hall. Shortly after the tactical sweep, officials confirmed that the shooter was dead. The two victims were evacuated from the building and rushed to a nearby trauma center for emergency medical treatment.
Key Developments
Following the neutralized threat, emergency responders established a perimeter around the 49th Street area of the Norfolk campus. Two victims remain in critical condition as of Thursday afternoon. President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., issued a formal statement to the university community confirming the details of the tragedy and outlining the initial administrative response.
The safety and well-being of our Monarch family are our top priorities as we navigate this incredibly difficult day for our university.
Student Zachary Mulder described the environment inside the campus during the lockdown as chaotic, noting that students barricaded doors while waiting for official clearance from law enforcement. All classes and campus activities were officially canceled for the remainder of the day and through the following Friday to allow for the investigation to proceed.
Why This Matters
The event marks a significant security breach at a major public research institution in Virginia, impacting the safety protocols of approximately 24,000 students. The shooting occurred in a high-traffic academic building, raising immediate concerns regarding campus access and firearm safety measures. The critical condition of the survivors and the death of the perpetrator necessitate a comprehensive forensic and behavioral investigation to determine how the breach occurred.
What Happens Next
The university has announced that Constant Hall will remain closed until further notice to allow investigators to process the crime scene. Counseling services have been made available to students and faculty through the ODU Counseling Services portal. A formal briefing from the Norfolk Police Department is expected to provide more details regarding the identity of the shooter and the type of weapon used in the attack. Updates will be posted on the official ODU President's communications page as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the ODU campus?
The ODU campus has been cleared by police, but Constant Hall remains a restricted crime scene. All classes and campus events have been canceled for Thursday, March 12, and Friday, March 13, 2026.
How many people were injured in the Old Dominion shooting?
Two people were shot and are currently in critical condition at a local hospital. The only confirmed fatality is the gunman, who was found dead at the scene in Constant Hall.
Where did the shooting take place specifically?
The shooting occurred inside Constant Hall, which is located on the Norfolk campus of Old Dominion University near 49th Street. The building is primarily used by the Strome College of Business.
Is the shooter still at large?
No, the shooter is confirmed dead. Law enforcement officials and University President Brian O. Hemphill confirmed that there is no longer an active threat to the campus community.
Where can students find support after the incident?
Old Dominion University is providing mental health resources and grief counseling through its Student Health Center and ODU Counseling Services. Students can access these services 24/7 during this crisis period.