Officials tell 13News Now that two people are in critical condition and the gunman “is now deceased.” Classes are canceled for the remainder of Thursday and Friday.

NORFOLK, Va. — The all clear has been given following a shooting at Old Dominion University campus in Norfolk, officials said. Two people are hurt, and the suspected gunman is dead.

An alert sent by ODU at around 12:10 p.m. reads: “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.”

An earlier alert stated: “Due to an active shooter situation in which the shooter has been neutralized, all classes and operations on the main campus are suspended for the remainder of the day (Thursday, March 12, 2026). Avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency officials continue to work. An update will be provided as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson at ODU tells 13News Now that two people were hurt in the shooting, and the gunman “is now deceased.” The victims have been taken to the hospital. It wasn’t immediately clear how the shooter died.

A spokesperson at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital tells 13News Now that they are treating two patients who are in critical condition. No other information was immediately available.

ODU has canceled classes and operations on the main campus for the remainder of the day. Classes will be canceled and operations suspended at all locations on Friday, March 13. 

People are asked to avoid the area around Constant Hall, as emergency personnel continue to work.

The first alert was sent out to students and faculty around 10:50 a.m., which read “O.D.U. Urgent Alert: Active threat reported at Constant Hall. Follow Run-Hide-Fight protocols. Emergency personnel responding. Avoid area.”


Nearby school impacts, MEAC still on schedule

Norfolk Public Schools said as a result of the shooting on ODU campus, the following three schools have gone into a secure hold:

Larchmont ElementaryJames Monroe ElementaryW.H. Taylor Elementary

Norfolk Public Schools said students from nearly every Norfolk high school were on ODU’s campus for a SOAR tour during the time of the shooting. The students sheltered in place. Officials said all of the students are safe and accounted for.

“All students and staff are secure, and we are following established safety protocols. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available,” a spokesperson for Norfolk Public Schools said.

Meanwhile, officials with the MEAC Tournament at Norfolk Scope in Downtown Norfolk is still proceeding as planned.

“There is no impact on tournament operations. We have been informed by the venue security staff and Police there is no immediate threat to the tournament,” a spokesperson tells 13News Now.


University, other official responses

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger issued a statement on X, saying, “I’m closely monitoring the on-campus shooting at Old Dominion University. I have spoken with university leadership. My Administration remains in close contact with local emergency responders as state support is being mobilized to assist ODU and Norfolk.”

She added, “I encourage students, faculty, and community members to continue following guidance issued by local law enforcement. I thank all first responders on the scene.”

FBI Director Kash Patel also posted on X: “FBI personnel are providing assistance and working with local authorities responding to the shooting at Old Dominion University. We will update as able.”

Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill sent the following email to students and community members:

Earlier today, March 12, 2026, Old Dominion University faced a tragedy on our main campus. I am grateful for the swift response of our police officers, emergency management personnel, and our partners at the City of Norfolk who promptly assisted the injured. 

Due to the incident, Old Dominion University has canceled classes and suspended operations on main campus for the remainder of the day, March 12, 2026. Due to the ongoing investigation, please avoid the area in and around Constant Hall and continue to follow instructions from ODU Alerts. Family Information Center is available in Chartway Arena’s Big Blue Room. 

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to go to Brodrick Dining Commons for lunch and counseling support. Talk Campus—a 24/7 peer support community—and other online counseling services and resources are also available for students at www.odu.edu/counseling-services. More information will be provided by the Division of Student and Campus Life. For immediate assistance, please call (757) 683-4401. Additional updates will be shared through ODU Alerts and posted on the ODU homepage at www.odu.edu. 

The safety of our campus community is my top priority. We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times. We take this responsibility very seriously and remain vigilant in our efforts to maintain a safe campus. I extend my thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the incident, as well as the entire campus and the broader community. 

Sincerely,

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones also released a statement:

“My deepest thoughts, prayers, and support go out to the Old Dominion community as they continue to learn more and process this tragedy,” Jones said. “I applaud the quick action of Old Dominion University Police, Norfolk Police, and emergency personnel on the ground to neutralize the threat and restore safety to campus. My office continues to work closely with the university and stands ready to support local law enforcement as they continue the investigative process. We encourage students and families to follow the direction of law enforcement and university officials as they continue to maintain public safety.”