By: Maria-Paula
One person was killed and two others injured by a suspected gunman following a shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday.
Officials confirmed that the suspected shooter also died during the incident, although it has not yet been established whether the individual died from a self-inflicted injury or was killed by responding officers.
The incident prompted a large law-enforcement response and an ongoing investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Authorities said the incident unfolded on or near the campus of the university in Norfolk, Virginia, sending students and staff scrambling for safety as police moved quickly to secure the area.
“Today is a heart-breaking day for our university community,” representatives from Old Dominion University said. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence.”
Emergency responders rushed the two victims to a nearby hospital for medical attention although their conditions have not yet been publicly released and the identity of the person killed has not been disclosed either pending notification of family members.
Campus police and local law enforcement quickly issued alerts urging people on campus to shelter in place as officers searched for potential threats. The alert was lifted after authorities confirmed that the situation had been contained and there was no ongoing danger to the public.
Investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation have joined local authorities in examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Officials said the incident is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, though they cautioned that the motive remains under investigation.
“We are working closely with our partners to determine exactly what happened and whether the incident was targeted or ideologically motivated,” an FBI spokesperson said in a statement.
University officials said counselling services and support resources are being made available for students and staff affected by the tragedy as classes and campus activities were temporarily suspended to give room for authorities continued investigation.
Further details are expected as officials gather more information about the suspect, the victims and the events that led to the shooting.
