Old Dominion University shooting: Gunman opens fire inside campus building, two seriously injured | world News

Old Dominion University shooting: Gunman opens fire inside campus building, two seriously injured | world News

A gunman opened fire inside a building at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday morning, seriously wounding two people before the suspect was killed, according to university officials. The shooting occurred inside Constant Hall on the university’s main campus, prompting an active-shooter alert and a temporary campus lockdown as police and emergency responders arrived at the scene. Officials later confirmed that the gunman had been killed and that a “clear” notice was issued to students and staff after the threat had ended.The incident began around 10:49 a.m. when reports of shots fired inside Constant Hall prompted the university to send an emergency alert to students and staff. The alert warned of an active threat on campus and advised people to follow Run, Hide, Fight safety procedures when emergency personnel respond.Constant Hall is located on the northern edge of the Old Dominion University campus near West 49th Street. Police officers and emergency medical teams immediately arrived at the building and secured the surrounding area, sheltering students and staff.Officials said that two people were injured in the firing and their condition is critical. Authorities have not publicly released the identities of the victims or confirmed whether they are students, faculty members or visitors.Law enforcement officials later confirmed that the suspected gunman was killed, although authorities have not yet clarified whether the suspect died during a confrontation with police or under other circumstances. Authorities have not even released the identity of the shooter.During the emergency response, video from the scene showed police officers assisting an injured man on the ground near Constant Hall, while another man was carried away by responders. Additional footage showed a heavy law-enforcement presence around the building as officers secured the complex.At 12:05 p.m., Old Dominion University sent an “clear” notification to the campus community stating that the emergency has ended and there is no longer an active threat. Officials asked students and staff to stay away from the area around Constant Hall while investigators and emergency crews worked the scene.Following the incident, the university canceled all classes and suspended operations at the main campus for the rest of the day. A Family Information Center was set up in Chartway Arena to assist relatives seeking information about students and staff.Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill issued a message to the campus community acknowledging the shooting and thanking campus police, emergency management teams and City of Norfolk first responders for their quick response.Schools in the surrounding area, including several elementary schools, were temporarily secured as Norfolk Police responded to the incident.The Norfolk Police Department is leading the investigation with the assistance of federal authorities. FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is aware of the situation and is supporting local law enforcement.So far, authorities have not released details about the shooter’s motive, background or whether the victims were specifically targeted. Investigators are continuing to collect evidence and review information related to the incident. Further updates are expected as the investigation develops.

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