2 in critical condition after campus shooting at Old Dominion University; gunman dead

The Virginian-Pilot on Mar 12, 2026

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NORFOLK, Va. — Two people were injured in a shooting Thursday morning at Old Dominion University.

The gunman is dead, according to a news release from the university.

The shooting happened just before 10:49 a.m. in Constant Hall, the center of the university’s college of business.

ODU police, Norfolk police and other emergency personnel responded immediately, the university said.

Two people in critical condition were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital where they were undergoing treatment, according to hospital spokesperson Dale Gauding.

A family information center was being set up in the Blue Blue Room at Chartway Arena, according to Norfolk police.

An all-clear message was sent to campus just after noon.

“There is no longer an active threat to the campus community,” the alert read.

ODU has canceled classes and operations on main campus for the rest of the day.

In addition to local law enforcement, federal agents with The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the scene, according to ATF spokesperson Whitney Cruse-King. ATF agents remained on campus as of 12:15 p.m. and will continue to support the Norfolk Police Department throughout its investigation.

The FBI and its law enforcement partners were also providing assistance, according to a social media post from FBI Norfolk.

Governor Abigail Spanberger said she is closely monitoring the situation.

“I have spoken with university leadership. My Administration remains in close contact with local emergency responders as state support is being mobilized to assist ODU and Norfolk,” Spanberger wrote in a social media post. “I encourage students, faculty, and community members to continue following guidance issued by local law enforcement. I thank all first responders on the scene.”

In an email Thursday afternoon, ODU President Brian Hemphill said the university faced a “tragedy.”

“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,” he said in the email.

Just after the shooting, an alert to campus told students, faculty and staff to “follow run-hide-fight protocols.”

Many police and emergency vehicles were seen swarming the school on Hampton Boulevard. Officers armed with rifles were seen heading onto campus.

Hampton Boulevard was completely blocked off by emergency vehicles at 49th Street.

According to ODU’s website, Constant Hall features more than 20 lecture halls and classrooms.

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