Tragedy at TPC: Gunman Dead and Two Injured After Shooting in Old Dominion University’s Constant Hall
NORFOLK, Va. — The peaceful atmosphere of a typical Thursday morning at Old Dominion University (ODU) was shattered today as gunfire erupted within Constant Hall, sending students into a frantic search for cover and leaving the campus community in a state of shock. By the time the “all-clear” was given early Thursday afternoon, officials confirmed that two victims had been rushed to the hospital in critical condition and the suspected gunman was dead.
The incident, which triggered a massive law enforcement response from the Norfolk Police Department and ODU Campus Police, has forced the total suspension of all classes and operations on the university’s main campus for the remainder of the day, March 12, 2026.
Timeline of Terror: Shots Fired in Constant Hall
The first reports of an active shooter emerged late in the morning, centering on Constant Hall, which houses the Strome College of Business. According to witnesses, the sound of multiple gunshots echoing through the corridors prompted an immediate “Run, Hide, Fight” alert to be broadcast across the university’s emergency notification system.
“It was just a normal lecture, and then we heard these loud pops,” said Marcus Greene, a junior finance major who was in a nearby classroom. “At first, you hope it’s a desk falling or construction, but then the screaming started. Our professor locked the door and we all huddled under our desks in the dark. It felt like hours, but it was only minutes.”
At approximately 12:10 p.m., ODU officials issued a follow-up alert to the student body and staff:
“This is an all clear notification. The emergency at Constant Hall has ended. There is no longer an active threat to the campus community. Avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency officials continue to work.”
Victims and the Gunman
A spokesperson for the university confirmed that two individuals suffered gunshot wounds during the attack. While their identities have not yet been released pending family notification, a spokesperson for Sentara Norfolk General Hospital confirmed that they are currently treating both patients. As of 1:00 p.m., both remain in critical condition.
The suspected gunman was reported dead at the scene. University officials used the term “neutralized” in their secondary emergency alert, though they have not yet specified if the shooter was killed by responding officers or if the death was the result of a self-inflicted wound.
Summary of Known Casualties
| Status | Count | Location/Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Injured Victims | 2 | Sentara Norfolk General (Critical) |
| Suspected Gunman | 1 | Deceased at Constant Hall |
| Bystander Injuries | TBD | Minor injuries reported during evacuation |
Law Enforcement Response
The response to the active shooter report was swift and multi-jurisdictional. Norfolk Police, Virginia State Police, and specialized tactical units arrived on the scene within minutes of the first 911 call. Constant Hall was systematically cleared room by room as officers worked to ensure there were no additional shooters or secondary threats.
“The safety of our students is our paramount concern,” said an ODU administration official in a brief statement. “We are heartbroken that this violence has reached our halls, but we are grateful for the quick action of our campus security and local law enforcement who prevented further loss of life.”
For the remainder of the afternoon, forensic teams were seen entering Constant Hall, and the area remains cordoned off with yellow police tape. Officials have requested that students and the public stay away from the vicinity of Hampton Boulevard and 49th Street to allow investigators to process the scene.
Campus Impact and Support Services
In the wake of the shooting, ODU President’s office announced that all academic activities, including evening classes and athletic events, are canceled. The university is currently working on a plan to provide counseling services to students who were present during the shooting.
Note for Students: The ODU Counseling Center will be offering emergency drop-in sessions starting tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. for anyone impacted by today’s events.
The shooting comes at a time when campus safety is a primary topic of national debate. Constant Hall, located in the heart of the Norfolk campus, is one of the most heavily trafficked buildings on ODU’s grounds.
The Road Ahead: Investigation and Recovery
As the investigation moves into its second phase, Norfolk detectives are working to determine a motive. It is not yet known if the gunman was a student, a former employee, or an individual with no prior connection to the university. Authorities are also reviewing security footage from inside the Strome College of Business to piece together the moments leading up to the first shot.
Local leaders, including the Mayor of Norfolk, have issued statements of support. “Today, we are all Monarchs,” the Mayor said via social media. “Our hearts are with the victims fighting for their lives and the families whose lives have been changed forever by this senseless act.”
The university has promised a comprehensive update as soon as more information regarding the victims’ status and the shooter’s identity becomes available.