An active shooter incident at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., left two people injured Thursday (March 12) before the shooter was neutralized, prompting the university to cancel classes and suspend operations for the rest of the day.
University officials said the shooting occurred in Constant Hall, prompting an emergency response from campus police and local law enforcement.
Active shooter alert issued
The the university first alerted students and faculty around 10:50 a.m. local time, an active threat alert on campus.
“ODU Urgent Alert: Active threat reported in Constant Hall. Follow Run-Hide-Fight protocols. Emergency personnel are responding. Avoid area,” said the alert sent to the campus community.
Authorities said emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene after reports of the shooting.
Gunner “neutralized”, two wounded
The suspect opened fire shortly before 10:49 a.m., injuring two people, according to university spokesman Jonah Grinkewitz.
Campus police, the Norfolk Police Department and other emergency personnel responded to the incident.
“The shooter at Constant Hall opened fire and injured two people,” Grinkewitz said, adding that the shooter is now dead.
The injured victims were taken to a local hospital for treatment, although their conditions were not immediately released.
Classes canceled for the day
Following the incident, the university suspended classes and operations at the main campus for the rest of the day.
“Due to an active shooter situation where the shooter has been neutralized, all classes and operations on the main campus are suspended for the remainder of the day,” the university alert issued at 11:30 a.m. said.
Officials also urged people to stay away from the affected area.
“Avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency officials continue. An update will be provided as soon as possible,” the warning added.
Nearby schools located in a safe place
Norfolk Public Schools placed three nearby schools on safe hold as a precaution following the shooting:
“All students and staff are safe and we are following established safety protocols. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available,” a Norfolk Public Schools spokesperson said.
Police are investigating the incident
The Norfolk Police Department confirmed on social media that officers were responding to an “active incident” at the university.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the shooter or the circumstances of the shooting because the investigation is still ongoing.
