Old Dominion University (ODU) in Virginia declared an active shooter situation on the morning of March 12, 2026. School officials informed its students that classes were suspended for the rest of the day and the gunman was pronounced dead. However, many on campus and across the country are wondering who the suspect is.
According to the emergency alert posted by the university, the gunman opened fire inside Constant Hall just before 10:49 a.m. local time.
“Two people were injured. Old Dominion University Police, Norfolk Police and emergency personnel responded immediately,” the alert read. “The gunman has now died. Those injured have been transported to a local hospital. Old Dominion University has canceled classes and operations on the main campus for the remainder of the day. Please avoid the area in and around Constant Hall as emergency personnel continue to work.”
Find out what happened at ODU and updates on the suspect behind the shooting here.
Where is Old Dominion University located?
ODU is located in Norfolk, Virginia.
How many students are enrolled at ODU?
According to the ODU website, there are about 24,000 students enrolled at the university.
Who is the suspect behind the ODU shooting?
According to NBC News, the suspect has been identified as 36-year-old Muhammad Baylor Jalloh of Sterling, Virginia, who was previously convicted of providing material support to ISIS, two senior law enforcement officials told the outlet.
What happened to the shooter at ODU?
As previously reported, the CTU said the shooter had been “neutralized” and died.
“Due to an active shooter situation in which the shooter has been neutralized, all classes and operations on the main campus have been suspended for the remainder of the day,” a previous alert from the university said. “Avoid the area in and around Constant Hall as emergency officials continue to work. An update will be provided as soon as possible.”
Less than an hour later, the school informed its students about the incident.
“As of 11:43 a.m., there is no longer a threat at Old Dominion University,” the announcement read. “Please continue to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall as emergency personnel continue to work.”
