Crime
Suspect and One Victim Dead, Two Others Injured in Shooting at Old Dominion University
Authorities have confirmed that one person was killed, two others were injured, and the suspected gunman is dead following a shooting on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
University officials issued an “all clear” notification shortly after noon, stating that the emergency had ended and there was no longer an active threat to the campus community. However, authorities advised students and the public to continue avoiding the area around Constant Hall, where investigators and emergency crews remained on scene.
During a press conference held at approximately 2:00 p.m., ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton confirmed that one victim had died, while two other victims were injured and are now reported to be in stable condition.
One of the injured individuals transported themselves to a hospital in Virginia Beach.
According to officials, officers responded to reports of gunfire inside Constant Hall at approximately 10:50 a.m. When police arrived, they located the suspected gunman deceased. Authorities have not yet publicly released details regarding how the suspect died.
Both injured victims were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital at approximately 11:15 a.m., initially reported to be in critical condition.
In a statement, U.S. Army Cadet Command confirmed that two of the victims were members of the university’s ROTC program.
“We are deeply saddened by the active shooter incident that occurred at Old Dominion University on March 12, 2026. We can confirm that two members of the university ROTC program were shot and were taken to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.”
Following the incident, ODU officials issued an all-clear message at approximately 12:15 p.m., informing students and staff that the immediate threat had been neutralized but advising the community to avoid Constant Hall while the investigation continues.
ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. released a statement expressing condolences and gratitude to first responders.
“Earlier today, Old Dominion University faced a tragedy on our main campus. I am grateful for the swift response of our police officers, emergency management personnel, and our partners with the City of Norfolk who assisted the injured.”
In response to the shooting, Old Dominion University canceled all classes and suspended operations on the main campus for the remainder of March 12, and the university also announced that the campus would remain closed on Friday.
A Family Information Center was established at Chartway Arena, specifically in the Big Blue Room, for relatives seeking information about loved ones.
Students, faculty, and staff were directed to Broderick Dining Commons, where counseling services and support resources were made available. Additional counseling assistance, including the Talk Campus 24-hour peer support platform, was also offered to students.
Witnesses described the chaotic moments when the incident began. Logan Hayes, an ODU sophomore, said he was inside Constant Hall taking a test when the situation unfolded.
According to Hayes, the building’s fire alarm sounded, prompting students to evacuate the building quickly as the emergency response began.
The incident also prompted precautionary safety measures at nearby schools. Norfolk Public Schools confirmed that Larchmont Elementary School, James Monroe Elementary School, and W. H. Taylor Elementary School were placed on secure hold while police responded to the situation.
Officials also confirmed that students from nearly every high school in Norfolk were visiting the ODU campus for a SOAR tour at the time of the shooting. Those students were sheltered in place, and authorities later confirmed that all visiting students and staff were accounted for and safe.
School officials asked parents to avoid the campus area due to the large police presence while the situation was being handled.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel stated on social media that federal agents are working alongside local authorities to support the response and investigative efforts.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and officials say additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.
Crime
Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting Suspect Identified as 16-Year-Old John Griffin, Who was shot and killed by Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon — The suspect in the deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has been identified in preliminary reports as 16-year-old John J. Griffin, according to information provided for this report. Kaylub Giamanco has also been identified in the supplied account as the bystander who reportedly confronted and shot the teenage suspect during the October 15, 2026, incident.
According to a family member who spoke with Channel2 NOW, Giamanco was returning home during his lunch break when he encountered the emergency near the school, where his two daughters reportedly attend classes. He lives nearby and allegedly rushed toward the school after hearing gunshots and realizing that children, including his daughters, could be in danger.
Giamanco’s reported intervention has prompted expressions of gratitude and calls for him to be recognized for his actions. However, the suspect’s identity, Giamanco’s role and the precise sequence of events should be confirmed through official statements before being presented as established facts.
The account provided to Channel2 NOW describes Giamanco as a father who was returning home during his lunch break when the shooting unfolded. After hearing gunfire near Silver Rail Elementary School, he reportedly saw the suspected shooter moving toward or entering the building.
Because his two daughters attended the school, Giamanco allegedly ran toward the scene rather than away from it. Preliminary accounts say he confronted the suspect and shot him, and the 16-year-old reportedly died.
The supplied information does not independently establish the exact location of the confrontation, the actions of those involved immediately beforehand or whether investigators have formally confirmed Giamanco’s identity as the person who shot the suspect.
Nevertheless, the account has drawn strong emotional reactions from people who view his reported actions as an attempt to protect his daughters and other children inside the school.
Some supporters have called for Giamanco to receive a medal or other formal recognition. Any official commendation, however, would need to be confirmed by the relevant authorities.
The supplied report identifies John J. Griffin, 16, as the suspected shooter in the Silver Rail Elementary School attack. The available information describes him as a Bend resident and alleges that a shotgun was used during the incident.
The reported circumstances surrounding Griffin’s death remain an important part of the investigation. Early accounts indicate that a bystander shot the suspect during the emergency, but investigators would need to confirm the individual’s identity and establish the precise sequence of events.
The suspect’s identification and the circumstances of the shooting should be attributed to law enforcement once an official statement is available.
The October 15 shooting prompted a major emergency response and left the community grieving. Preliminary information supplied for this report indicates that four victims—three children and one adult—were killed. The suspected shooter was also reported dead, bringing the reported total to five fatalities.
Five-year-old Rhoam Summer was identified in the supplied information as the first named victim. Two other children, reportedly ages 8 and 11, were also described as having died. An adult teacher was reported among the victims.
Two additional people—a 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher—were reportedly transported for medical treatment in critical condition.
The identities of the other victims, the final casualty figures and the latest conditions of the injured people require confirmation from law enforcement or the appropriate authorities. The information available for this article does not establish that the teacher who died was killed while protecting students, so that characterization should not be presented as confirmed.
Bend police reportedly issued an active-shooter alert at approximately 1:17 p.m. on Thursday, warning the public of a major law enforcement presence at Silver Rail Elementary School and urging people to avoid the surrounding area.
Police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded to the campus. Nearby schools, including Caldera High School and Jewell Elementary, were reportedly placed under lockdown as a precaution.
Authorities also designated Journey Church, located at 61303 S Highway 97 near Goodwill and Dairy Queen, as a family reunification location. Parents and guardians were directed there to reconnect with students and receive information during the emergency response.
The reported deaths of children and an adult educator have left families and the wider Bend community facing an immense tragedy. Rhoam Summer, just 5 years old, has become one of the first children named in the reports surrounding the shooting.
As the investigation continues, families are waiting for verified information and the opportunity to grieve their loved ones. Those affected by the shooting may also face a difficult period of emotional recovery.
Giamanco’s reported actions have added another dimension to the story, with supporters expressing gratitude for a father who allegedly rushed toward danger after hearing gunshots near the school attended by his daughters. His family’s experience and the well-being of his children also deserve consideration as details emerge.
🙏💔 Our thoughts are with the families of Rhoam Summer and the other reported victims, the injured child and teacher, and everyone affected by this devastating incident. May those who lost their lives rest in peace, and may their loved ones find strength and support during this heartbreaking time.