“All Clear” Given After Shooting At Old Dominion University Leaves 1 Dead, 2 Injured
on Mar 12, 2026
The Gunman Has Been Confirmed To Be Deceased
An investigation is underway at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, after a gunman opened fire on campus on Thursday, March 12.
Around 10:49 a.m., the shooting began in Constant Hall, which is “the hub for the College of Business at ODU.”
There, three individuals affiliated with ODU were reportedly injured. The identities of these individuals have not yet been disclosed, with their status as students or faculty not being confirmed during a 2 p.m. EST news conference conducted by ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton.
According to NBC affiliate WAVY, two of the victims are members of ROTC.
As of that news conference, one of the three victims has reportedly died while in the hospital.
Shortly after the incident, at 11:39 a.m., ODU notified its student body that all classes and other campus functions were canceled for the rest of the day “due to an active shooter situation in which the shooter has been neutralized.”
Joined by EMS and other first responders, the shooting was responded to “immediately” by Old Dominion University Police and Norfolk Police, according to ODU.
The identity of the shooter has not yet been revealed, and a motive is not yet clear.
Dr. Brian O. Hemphill, president of ODU, released a statement on the shooting, describing it as a “tragedy,” and writing, “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 went on to encourage students to avoid Constant Hall, where the shooting reportedly occurred, adding:
“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.”
Dr. Hemphill concluded his statement by saying, “I extend my thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the incident, as well as the entire campus and the broader community.”
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, FBI Dir. Kash Patel noted that the FBI is providing assistance to 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
As the investigation continues, and to provide counseling services, classes at ODU have also been canceled on Friday, March 13.
Boasting of a student population around 24,000, Old Dominion University is a public research university.
Watch some of the March 12 news conference, including statements from police and Dr. Hemphill, here:
This is a developing story.
