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A gunman opened fire inside Old Dominion University’s Constant Hall late Thursday morning, injuring two people and triggering an immediate campus‑wide emergency response before the shooter was confirmed dead, according to university officials.
Shooting Reported Inside Constant Hall. The incident began around 10:50 a.m., when shots were fired inside Constant Hall, a central academic building on ODU’s Norfolk campus. Two individuals were struck by gunfire and transported to a nearby hospital. Their conditions have not yet been released.
University officials confirmed that the gunman is deceased, though no additional details about the shooter’s identity or motive have been shared.
Students inside Constant Hall described a sudden and frightening scramble for safety. Logan Hayes, a sophomore who was taking a test when the situation unfolded, said the building’s fire alarm went off without warning.
Law enforcement from multiple agencies responded within minutes, securing the building and surrounding area. Out of caution, all classes and operations on ODU’s main campus were suspended for the remainder of the day.
University officials urged the public to avoid Constant Hall and nearby streets while emergency personnel continued their work.
Shortly after the first reports of gunfire, ODU issued an urgent alert instructing students and staff to follow Run-Hide-Fight protocols:
“O.D.U. Urgent Alert: Active threat reported at Constant Hall. Follow Run-Hide-Fight protocols. Emergency personnel responding. Avoid area.”
The alert triggered lockdowns and shelter‑in‑place orders across campus until authorities confirmed the threat had been contained.
Officials have not released the names of the victims or the shooter, and the investigation remains active. Police are expected to remain on campus throughout the day as they gather evidence and interview witnesses.