Timeline of the Morning Chaos (Image Credits: Flickr)
Norfolk, Virginia – Gunfire erupted Thursday morning in Constant Hall at Old Dominion University, where a gunman wounded two people before authorities neutralized the threat.[1][2]
Timeline of the Morning Chaos
Police received calls about the shooting around 10:43 a.m. Officers arrived on scene four minutes later and determined the assailant was deceased by 10:50 a.m.[1] The university issued an urgent alert at 10:48 a.m., warning of an active threat in the College of Business building and instructing people to follow run-hide-fight protocols.[2]
Students in the building described pandemonium. One sophomore recounted hearing the fire alarm, screams of “shooter,” and multiple gunshots as he fled the area.[3] The rapid sequence of events unfolded just days before a planned weeklong school break.
- 10:43 a.m.: Initial calls to police.
- 10:47 a.m.: Officers arrive at Constant Hall.
- 10:48 a.m.: University sends active threat alert.
- 10:50 a.m.: Assailant confirmed deceased.
- 11:30 a.m.: Incident declared under control.
Victims Rushed to Hospital
Two individuals suffered critical injuries from the gunfire and received treatment at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. A spokesperson for Sentara Health, which oversees the facility, confirmed the patients remained in critical condition.
University Police Chief Garrett Shelton reported at a news conference that all victims were affiliated with the school, though no names or further details emerged immediately.[1] Conflicting early accounts mentioned one fatality among three victims, but officials focused on the two hospitalized cases during updates.[2]
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Swift Police Action Secures Campus
Norfolk police, university officers, the FBI, and ATF agents converged quickly on the scene. The gunman’s death marked the end of the immediate danger, with an all-clear issued shortly after.[4]
FBI Director Kash Patel noted federal support for local responders. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger contacted university leaders and mobilized state resources to aid the effort.[1] No information surfaced on the gunman’s identity or motive.
University Shifts to Recovery Mode
Old Dominion canceled classes and operations across its main campus for the rest of the day. Officials urged avoidance of the Constant Hall area while emergency personnel worked.[3]
President Brian Hemphill expressed condolences and reaffirmed commitment to safety. The institution, home to about 24,000 students, offered counseling and meals to those affected.[1] “I extend my thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the incident, as well as the entire campus and the broader community,” Hemphill stated.
Key Takeaways
- Shooting confined to Constant Hall; no ongoing threat.
- Two victims in critical condition at local hospital.
- Classes suspended; support services activated for campus community.
As investigations continue into what prompted the violence at this coastal Virginia university, the focus turns to healing and bolstering security measures. The swift resolution prevented wider harm, but the trauma lingers for students and staff. What are your thoughts on campus safety protocols? Share in the comments below.
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