Angela Stefani
NORFOLK, Va. — Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) students at Old Dominion University yesterday confronted and killed an active shooter who had opened fire on campus, leaving one person dead and two others wounded before the cadets intervened to prevent additional casualties, authorities confirmed.
The swift and decisive action by the ROTC students unfolded around 10:30 a.m. near the universitys engineering building. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots before the armed students engaged the assailant, bringing the chaotic incident to an immediate halt.
Norfolk Police Chief Mark Johnson commended the cadets during an afternoon press conference. “Their bravery undoubtedly saved lives. These young men and women, trained to protect, embodied that commitment under extreme duress,” Chief Johnson stated, emphasizing the ongoing investigation into the shooters identity and motive.
University President Dr. Amy S. Howard expressed profound sorrow for the victim who died and offered support to the two wounded individuals now receiving medical care. Their conditions were not immediately released. The university implemented a campus-wide lockdown that lasted several hours, sending shockwaves through the academic community.
Students recounted scenes of panic and confusion before the gravity of the situation became clear. Many praised the ROTC members, referring to them as heroes. “I heard the shots, then shouting. Next thing I knew, it was over. Those ROTC guys, they didnt hesitate,” said senior Emily Chen, who was near the scene.
Preliminary reports from law enforcement indicate the shooter, whose identity is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification, was not a current Old Dominion University student or staff member. Investigators are currently tracing the weapon and examining any potential connections the individual may have had to the university or its community.
The incident has reignited discussions on campus safety protocols and the role of armed individuals, even those with military training, in preventing mass violence. Old Dominion University, like many campuses, has robust emergency response plans, but the direct intervention by students in this instance is unique.
President Donald Trump, through a White House spokesperson, extended his condolences to the victims families and lauded the extraordinary courage of the ROTC students. “The President commends the valor displayed by these future leaders who protected their peers and community,” the spokesperson conveyed during a briefing.
The university announced a series of mental health support services available to all students, faculty, and staff in the wake of the traumatic event. Classes were canceled for the remainder of the week as the campus community grappled with the violence.
This tragic yet extraordinary event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of campus violence and the profound impact of immediate, courageous intervention. The actions of the ROTC students will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the universitys history, highlighting both tragedy and resilience."
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