Old Dominion University continues to provide counseling services and support to the campus and the community. Constant Hall remains closed. All previously scheduled events at all campus locations for Saturday, March 14, 2026, and Sunday, March 15, 2026, are canceled.
Many students and faculty will be away from campus in the coming week due to Spring Break. For employees, Old Dominion University will reopen on Monday, March 16, 2026, with necessary flexibility to accommodate individual circumstances.
Individuals with personal belongings and other items left in Constant Hall, may pick up their items available tomorrow, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the Center Café located in the Webb Center beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m. The location and hours will remain the same for the following day, Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Support Resources
Counseling services and 24/7 crisis support are available for any students, faculty, or staff who may need emotional support following this incident. Trained professionals are available to listen, provide confidential care, and help connect individuals with additional support resources. Find support resources here.
Families can contact the emergency center at 757-683-6657. All emergencies should be directly reported to 911.
President's Messages
Dear Members of the Old Dominion University Campus Community:
In the wake of yesterday’s horrific tragedy, I want to share several thoughts with you and also provide some campus specific details.
Earlier today, I shared a tribute to Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah ’07, the dedicated Monarch, public servant, and true hero, who tragically had his life taken far too early. I so appreciate Lt. Col. Shah for how much he gave to our University. If you have not already done so, please take a moment to honor his life, mourn his loss, salute his service, and reflect on his contributions. Read the full message.
Dear Members of the Old Dominion University Campus Community:
Following the horrific tragedy and senseless act of violence that occurred in Constant Hall on the morning of March 12, 2026, we pay tribute to one of our very own, Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah ’07, a dedicated Monarch, public servant, and true hero.
Above all else, Lt. Col. Shah embodied what it means to be a devoted family man, a revered leader, and heroic protector even in his final moments. He was a shining example for his students and all Monarchs. Read the full message.
Dear Members of the Old Dominion University Campus Community:
As tragedy struck the main campus earlier today when a lone gunman entered Constant Hall and opened fire in a classroom, we join together to pay tribute to our fellow Monarch who was lost and the two students who were injured. We recognize members of our campus and community who were deeply impacted by this senseless act of violence. And, we acknowledge the quick response and direct support from campus, city, state, and federal police officers and emergency responders. Read the full message.
Dear Monarchs:
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. Read the full message.
Incident Details
In an effort to provide counseling services and other support for the campus and the community, Old Dominion University will be closed Friday, March 13, 2026 at all locations. Classes are canceled, and operations are suspended. Constant Hall remains closed.
Operations for students for Friday, March 13, 2026
- Housing & Residence Life staff and office are open.
- Webb Student Center will be open normal hours.
- SafeRide operations will begin at 6 p.m.
- Counseling Services will be on-site 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Broderick Dining Commons.
Thursday, March 12, 2026 The ODU Family Information Center is located in the Big Blue Room at Chartway Arena, 4320 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23529.
Counseling services are available at www.odu.edu/counseling-services. For immediate counseling support, please call (757) 683-4401.
The Emergency Contact Center can be reached at (757) 683-5845. In the event of an emergency, please call 911 immediately.
1:45 p.m. Continue to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall as the investigation is ongoing.
In an effort to provide counseling services and other support for the campus and the community, Old Dominion University will be closed tomorrow (Friday, March 13, 2026) at all locations. Classes are cancelled, and operations are suspended.
On Friday, March 13, 2026, counselors will be on the main campus and available from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Student counseling will be available in Broderick Dining Commons. Faculty, staff, and community counseling will be available in Student Government Chambers at Webb Center. Food services will be available for those remaining in campus housing.
As of 11:43 a.m., there is no longer a threat at Old Dominion University. Please continue to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency personnel continue to work.
As a reminder, Old Dominion University has canceled classes and operations on main campus for the remainder of the day, March 12, 2026. The next update will be at 12:30 p.m.
Shortly before 10:49 a.m., a gunman in Constant Hall opened fire. Two people were injured. Old Dominion University Police, Norfolk Police and emergency personnel responded; immediately. The gunman is now deceased. The injured were transported to a local hospital.
Old Dominion University has canceled classes and operations on main campus for the remainder of the day. Please avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency personnel continue to work. Next update will be provided at 12:15 p.m.
Rave Alerts
3-12-26 (1:43 p.m.)
O.D.U. Urgent Alert: In an effort to provide counseling services and other support for the campus and the community, Old Dominion University will be closed tomorrow (Friday, March 13, 2026) at all locations. Classes are cancelled, and operations are suspended.
On Friday, March 13, 2026, counselors will be on the main campus and available from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Student counseling will be available in Broderick Dining Commons. Faculty, staff, and community counseling will be available in Student Government Chambers at Webb Center. Food services will be available for those remaining in campus housing.
Continue to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall as the investigation is ongoing.
3-12-26 (12:05 p.m.)
O.D.U. Urgent Alert: 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.
3-12-26 (11:30 a.m.)
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.
3-12-26 (10:48 a.m.)
ODU Urgent Alert: Active threat reported at Constant Hall. Follow Run-Hide-Fight protocols. Emergency personnel responding. Avoid area.