Two people were shot and critically injured on Wednesday night near Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia. The incident has raised serious concerns among university members and the surrounding community.
Incident Details
Date and Location
The shooting occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. in the 1400 block of West 49th Street, near ODU’s Broderick Dining Commons and the Dominion House student residences.
Victims
Both victims were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Authorities confirmed that neither victim is a student or has any known affiliation with ODU.
University Response
ODU issued an urgent alert at 10:03 p.m., advising students and faculty to stay indoors as the suspect was still at large. The shelter-in-place order was lifted at 11:43 p.m., allowing normal activities to resume, though an increased police presence remained in the area.
ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton emphasized the university’s commitment to safety, stating that all students are automatically enrolled in ODU Alerts, while faculty and staff are encouraged to opt-in. He also highlighted the availability of walk-in counseling services for students affected by the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
The Norfolk Police Department, with support from ODU Police, is leading the investigation. As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not released any information regarding potential suspects. However, police have assured the public that there is no active threat to safety.
Community Impact
This incident has caused significant concern among students, faculty, and nearby residents. The university is urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Norfolk Police Department.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Were the victims connected to Old Dominion University?
A: No, authorities confirmed that the victims are not ODU students or affiliated with the university.
Q: Is there still a threat to the university community?
A: Police have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public after the incident.
Q: What is the university doing to support students following this incident?
A: ODU has made walk-in counseling services available for students and encourages those affected to seek help.
For more information about campus safety measures and resources, students and faculty are encouraged to visit the university’s official website.
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