OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
12:42 PM – Thursday, March 12, 2026
One victim was killed and two others were injured following a shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, with authorities confirming that the gunman was also killed.
Police had received calls at around 10:43 a.m. about an active shooter opening fire in Constant Hall.
According to ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton, the two primary victims are now in stable condition, an improvement from earlier critical reports. Additionally, a third individual sought treatment at a Virginia Beach hospital, though their status has not been confirmed.
Shelton noted that the suspect was found deceased when officers arrived at the scene before 11 a.m. The suspect has still not been identified as of 12:42 pm PT, and it is currently unclear if the suspect died from a self-inflicted wound or was neutralized by responding officers.
U.S. Army Cadet Command released a statement confirming that the victims were enrolled in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, which trains students to become officers in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force or Space Force while earning a college degree.
“We are deeply saddened from 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 Command stated.
ODU officials issued an all clear notification at around 12:15 p.m. that read, “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.”
In a separate statement, ODU President Brian Hemphill announced the cancellation of classes and the suspension of campus operations for the remainder of the day and Friday as well. He also directed students and staff toward available in-person and online counseling resources.
“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,” Hemphill wrote.
Authorities are advising the public to avoid the area near Constant Hall as the investigation continues.
ODU sophomore Logan Hayes was inside the building for an exam when the incident began. He described fleeing after the fire alarm was abruptly triggered.
“I heard about a multitude of gunshots go off and people just screaming,” he said.
Governor Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) confirmed on X that she is currently monitoring the situation, while FBI Director Kash Patel noted that federal agents are coordinating with local authorities in their response.
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