2 ROTC members injured, gunman dead in shooting at Virginia’s Old Dominion University

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The two people critically injured in a shooting at Old Dominion University are members of the Virginia school’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, according to authorities.

A gunman opened fire in Constant Hall at about 10:50 a.m. ODU officials said two people were injured as a result and were taken to a local hospital in critical condition, according to a Sentara official. The gunman was pronounced dead.

The U.S. Army Cadet Command released a statement after the shooting, saying, “We are deeply saddened from the active shooter incident that occurred at Old Dominion University on March 12, 2026. We can confirm that two members of the university ROTC program were shot and were taken to a local hospital to treat their injuries.”

Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or the gunman.

ODU officials sent an alert around 12:15 p.m. with an “all clear notification.”

“The emergency at Constant Hall has ended. There is no longer an active threat to the campus community,” the alert read.

ODU President Brian Hemphill, Ph.D., issued a statement that read in part: “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.” He added, “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.”

ODU sophomore Logan Hayes was in Constant Hall taking a test when the active shooter situation started. He said the fire alarm went off and he ran out of the building.

As soon as he got outside, Logan told Nexstar’s WAVY, “I heard about a multitude of gunshots go off and people just screaming.” 

He added that the police response was immediate and that they assured students were somewhere safe.

As the scene unfolded, the school sent out an alert that read, “Active threat reported at Constant Hall. Follow Run-Hide-Fight protocols. Emergency personnel responding. Avoid area.”

Norfolk Police and ODU Police responded, according to an alert issued at 11:23 a.m.

The university said it has canceled classes and operations on main campus for the rest of the day and advised that people continue to steer clear of the area.

Located in coastal Norfolk, Old Dominion University has about 24,000 students, 17,500 of them undergraduates. The school has around 240 degree programs and is known for its research spending and doctoral programs. Nearly 30% of its students are military-affiliated, according to the university website. The area is also home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval station in the world.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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