Kamal Ghorui
A gunman opened fire inside a building at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday morning, critically injuring two people before the suspect was killed, according to university officials. The shooting occurred inside Constant Hall on the university’s main campus, triggering an active-shooter alert and a temporary campus lockdown as police and emergency responders rushed to the scene. Authorities later confirmed that the gunman had been neutralised and an “all clear” notice was issued to students and staff after the threat ended.The incident began around 10:49 a.m. when reports of gunfire inside Constant Hall prompted the university to send an emergency alert to students and staff. The alert warned of an active threat on campus and advised people to follow Run, Hide, Fight safety procedures while emergency personnel responded.Constant Hall is located on the northern side of the Old Dominion University campus near West 49th Street. Police officers and emergency medical crews quickly arrived at the building and secured the surrounding area as students and staff sheltered in place.Officials said two people were injured in the shooting and remain in critical condition. Authorities have not publicly released the identities of the victims or confirmed whether they are students, faculty members or visitors.Law enforcement officers later confirmed that the suspected gunman was killed, though officials have not yet clarified whether the suspect died during a confrontation with police or from other circumstances. Authorities also have not released the identity of the shooter.During the emergency response, video from the scene showed police officers assisting an injured person on the ground near Constant Hall while another person was carried away by responders. Additional footage showed a heavy law-enforcement presence around the building as officers secured the campus.At 12:05 p.m., Old Dominion University sent an “all clear” notification to the campus community stating that the emergency had ended and there was no longer an active threat. Officials asked students and staff to continue avoiding the area around Constant Hall while investigators and emergency crews worked at the scene.Following the incident, the university cancelled all classes and suspended operations on the main campus for the remainder of the day. A Family Information Center was established at Chartway Arena to assist relatives seeking information about students and staff.Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill issued a message to the campus community acknowledging the shooting and thanking campus police, emergency management teams and the City of Norfolk’s first responders for their rapid response.Nearby schools in the surrounding area, including several elementary schools, were placed on a temporary secure hold as Norfolk police responded to the incident.The Norfolk Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from federal authorities. FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was aware of the situation and supporting local law enforcement.As of now, authorities have not released details about the shooter’s motive, background or whether the victims were specifically targeted. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and review information related to the incident. Further updates are expected as the investigation develops.
