Campus Shooting at Old Dominion University Leaves Two Injured, Gunman Killed
Panic erupted on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday morning, March 13, 2026, when a gunman opened fire inside an academic building before being killed by authorities. The incident occurred at Constant Hall, which houses the university's College of Business, and resulted in two individuals sustaining injuries, though their conditions have not been immediately disclosed.
University Declares Campus Safe After Incident
Following the shooting, university officials issued an emergency alert confirming that the suspect had been neutralized, without providing further details on how the gunman was killed. Hours later, the university informed students and staff that the situation was under control, stating, The emergency at Constant Hall has ended. There is no longer an active threat to the campus community. In response, all classes were suspended for the remainder of the day as law enforcement secured the area and initiated preliminary investigations.
Students Recount Moments of Terror and Confusion
Witnesses inside Constant Hall described scenes of chaos and fear as the shooting unfolded. One junior attending a class reported hearing faint screams that grew louder, prompting an alarm and a mass evacuation. Another student initially mistook the alarm for a routine drill but soon realized the gravity of the situation, saying, It was just terrifying. Everybody was running, everybody was screaming, we didn't know what was going on. After reaching safety, he struggled to communicate with his parents, emphasizing the surreal nature of the event.
Federal Agents Join Investigation into the Shooting
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were deployed to the scene to assist local authorities in the investigation. Officials have yet to disclose the identity of the gunman or the circumstances leading to the shooting, and they are working to determine the motive behind the attack. This incident has reignited concerns about campus safety across the United States, prompting a review of security measures at the university.
Context of Recent Gun Violence in the United States
The shooting at Old Dominion University follows other tragic incidents of gun violence in the country. For instance, in August 2025, a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others, highlighting ongoing challenges related to public safety and firearm regulations.
