Gunman Dead, Two Injured in Shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia
Old Dominion University has confirmed that a gunman is dead and two individuals are injured following a shooting incident on its campus in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday morning. The university stated that the shooter opened fire inside the business school building, resulting in two victims being transported to hospital for treatment.
Immediate Response and Campus Lockdown
Within approximately one hour of the shooting, university authorities declared that the threat on campus had been neutralised and there was no longer an active danger. However, the exact circumstances surrounding the gunman's death remain unclear at this time. In response to the incident, Old Dominion University cancelled all classes and suspended operations on its main campus for the remainder of Thursday.
The university also issued an urgent advisory, urging students, staff, and the public to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall while emergency response teams continued their work. This swift action was part of a coordinated effort to ensure campus safety and facilitate the ongoing investigation.
Federal and Local Agency Involvement
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed its involvement, posting on the social platform X that agents were on the scene to support the local response. This highlights the multi-agency approach taken to address the shooting and its aftermath.
Old Dominion University, a public institution located in coastal Norfolk, Virginia, has a student population of around 24,000, with 17,500 undergraduates. The university offers approximately 240 degree programs and is recognised for its significant research expenditures and doctoral programs. Notably, nearly 30% of its students have military affiliations, reflecting the area's proximity to Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval station.
The shooting has raised concerns about campus security and gun violence in educational settings, prompting discussions on safety protocols and emergency preparedness. University officials have not released further details on the identities of the victims or the gunman, pending notification of families and completion of preliminary investigations.
As the community grapples with this tragic event, support services have been made available to students and staff affected by the incident. The university is expected to provide updates as more information becomes available from law enforcement and medical authorities.
