Old Dominion University said a fatal shooting occurred inside Constant Hall, a building on its Norfolk campus. Media outlets reported the attacker as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh. University and local media said an ROTC instructor was killed and two cadets were injured. Other members of the group fatally stabbed the attacker, according to reports. The injured were taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in critical condition, the university said.
The university suspended operations on the main campus and cancelled classes for the remainder of the day while authorities secured the scene. WAVY TV and other outlets reported emergency response and an active investigation. Newsweek and local broadcasters said investigators are treating the incident as an act of terrorism. University officials have not provided further public detail about motives or ongoing operational measures.
Old Dominion University identified the affected unit as part of its ROTC program, which the university said has been active on campus for decades. The institution said it is cooperating with law enforcement and emergency services. University leadership offered support services to students and staff, according to campus communications. The episode prompted immediate campus closures and a review of security and emergency protocols, as reported by the university.
Institutional Growth Research Partnerships And Health Science Expansion
Separately, the university continues major institutional expansion and research work. Old Dominion University describes itself as an R1 doctoral research institution with about 23,000 students and a broad portfolio of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university said its research teams generate roughly $88 million in annual funding and that it houses multidisciplinary centers including VMASC, a Center for Accelerator Science and a telehealth innovation center.
The university announced a partnership with Google and Google Cloud to launch the MonarchSphere, an AI incubator intended to accelerate research and digital transformation. University materials say MonarchSphere gives researchers access to advanced cloud tools, ties ODU to the Google AI for Education Accelerator and aims to streamline course development using tools named Gemini Pro and Notebook LM. The initiative is positioned to enhance student career pathways and faculty development.
Old Dominion University also integrated Eastern Virginia Medical School into its structure to form Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, the university said. That arrangement folded EVMS into the university as its medical school component and expanded the institution's health sciences offerings, including nursing and allied health programs and plans for a Joint School of Public Health.
The university highlighted recent launches such as a School of Cybersecurity and plans for a School of Data Science. It also noted athletic membership in the Sun Belt Conference and a broad campus footprint with satellite centers in Virginia Beach, Portsmouth and Hampton. University officials emphasized ongoing investments in research, professional education and student support as central to their strategy.
