A chilling scene unfolded at Old Dominion University Thursday morning, leaving one person dead and another fatally wounded in a campus shooting that sent shockwaves through the community.
The first alerts crackled across phones at 10:49 a.m., warning of an “active threat” and urging students and staff to enact the harrowing “Run-Hide-Fight” protocols – a desperate plea for survival in a suddenly dangerous place.
Police arrived to find the suspected gunman deceased, the aftermath of a confrontation still unfolding. The swift response, led by Police Chief Garrett Shelton, aimed to contain the horror and secure the sprawling campus.
Two others were caught in the crossfire, each rushed to hospitals – one by ambulance, the other seeking help independently in Virginia Beach. Thankfully, both were reported to be in stable condition, a small measure of relief amidst the chaos.
By 11:43 a.m., the immediate danger had passed, officials announced the campus was no longer under threat. Yet, the area surrounding Constant Hall remained a scene of intense activity, cordoned off as investigators began their grim work.
Federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI, swiftly joined the Norfolk Police Department in the investigation, seeking to unravel the motive behind the senseless violence.
The university immediately suspended classes and all operations for the day, a somber decision reflecting the profound impact of the tragedy. A press conference was scheduled, promising a more detailed account of the unfolding events.
University President Brian Hemphill, visibly shaken, described the shooting as a “tragedy” and expressed gratitude for the rapid response of law enforcement and emergency personnel. His message underscored the university’s commitment to safety, a promise now weighed down by grief.
Counseling services were immediately made available to students, faculty, and staff, recognizing the deep emotional scars that would linger long after the physical wounds had healed. The university pledged unwavering support to those affected.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger confirmed she was closely monitoring the situation, having spoken directly with university leadership. State support was mobilized to assist both ODU and the city of Norfolk, a testament to the gravity of the crisis.
The investigation continues, a painstaking process to understand why this happened and to prevent such devastation from ever happening again. The campus, and the community, now grapple with a profound loss and a lingering sense of vulnerability.
