The recent shooting at Old Dominion University on March 12, 2026, serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of campus safety protocols. As universities across the country reevaluate their emergency preparedness, understanding how these institutions handle crises and what students, faculty, and staff should know about responding to active threats has never been more crucial. This article explains the systems, protocols, and support structures that universities like Old Dominion implement to protect their communities during emergencies.
The Old Dominion University Shooting: What Happened
On the morning of March 12, 2026, a lone gunman entered Constant Hall at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and opened fire in a classroom. According to multiple news reports, the attack resulted in the death of Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah, a decorated Army veteran and ROTC instructor, and left two students injured. The suspected shooter, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member with a previous conviction for supporting the Islamic State group, was subsequently killed by ROTC students who intervened.
The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism, and a Virginia man has been charged with illegally selling the firearm used in the attack. In the aftermath, Old Dominion University canceled all campus events for the weekend, closed Constant Hall, and implemented comprehensive support services for the campus community. The university's emergency alert system sent out notifications instructing people to follow "Run-Hide-Fight" protocols during the active threat.
Understanding the Run-Hide-Fight Protocol
At the core of most university emergency response plans is the "Run, Hide, Fight" protocol developed by the Department of Homeland Security and adopted by institutions nationwide. Old Dominion University's emergency guides define an active threat as "a suspect or assailant whose activity is immediately causing serious injury or death" and emphasize that these situations can involve one or more shooters, occur anywhere on campus, and target anyone.
The protocol breaks down into three sequential actions that individuals should take during an active shooter situation:
1. Run - Evacuate If Possible
The first and preferred option is to evacuate immediately if a safe path is available. Old Dominion's guidelines advise: "If possible, move away from the threat as fast as you can." This involves having an escape route in mind, leaving belongings behind, and helping others escape if possible. Once in a safe location, individuals should call 911 or campus police (757-683-4000 for ODU) and provide detailed information about the shooter's location, appearance, and weapons.
2. Hide - Find Secure Shelter
If evacuation isn't possible, the next step is to find a secure hiding place. The university recommends: "If you cannot flee, lock and barricade doors. If there are no locks, barricade the door with furniture." Ideal hiding places are out of the shooter's view, provide protection if shots are fired, and don't trap or restrict movement options. Once hidden, individuals should silence electronic devices, turn off lights, close blinds, and remain quiet until law enforcement gives an all-clear.
3. Fight - As a Last Resort
Only when facing imminent danger should individuals attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter. As Old Dominion's guides state, this is considered a last resort when "your life is in immediate danger." The university advises using improvised weapons, acting with physical aggression, and committing to actions once engaged. The intervention by ROTC students during the Old Dominion shooting represents an example of this last-resort response.
How Universities Prepare for Emergencies Before They Happen
Effective campus safety involves extensive preparation long before any emergency occurs. Universities like Old Dominion implement multiple layers of protection:
Emergency Alert Systems
Modern campuses utilize multi-channel alert systems that send notifications via text message, email, social media, digital signage, and loudspeakers. During the Old Dominion shooting, the university's alert system sent immediate notifications about the active threat and instructions to follow emergency protocols. These systems are regularly tested and updated to ensure rapid communication during crises.
Regular Training and Drills
Most universities conduct regular active shooter training for campus police, faculty, and staff. Some institutions, like Old Dominion, offer voluntary training sessions for students as well. These drills typically cover recognition of warning signs, emergency notification procedures, evacuation routes, and practice implementing the Run-Hide-Fight protocol.
Physical Security Measures
Campuses implement various physical security measures including controlled access to buildings, security cameras, emergency blue light phones, and well-lit pathways. After incidents like the Old Dominion shooting, universities often review and enhance these measures based on lessons learned.
What to Do During an Active Shooter Situation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Based on official university protocols and Department of Homeland Security guidelines, here's a comprehensive guide for responding to an active shooter situation on campus:
Immediate Actions (First Minutes)
When you first become aware of an active shooter, your immediate priority is survival. Old Dominion's emergency guides emphasize: "Try to remain calm as your actions will influence others. Have a survival mindset because the consequences are potentially catastrophic." Quickly assess your options: Can you safely evacuate? If so, run immediately. If not, find the most secure hiding place available.
If You Decide to Hide
Once in a hiding place, take these protective actions recommended by Old Dominion University:
- Lock and barricade doors using whatever furniture is available
- Take cover behind solid objects like concrete walls, thick desks, or filing cabinets
- Close blinds and cover windows to prevent the shooter from seeing inside
- Turn off all computer monitors, radios, and other electronic equipment
- Silence cell phones before calling emergency services
- If safe to do so, place signs in exterior windows to identify your location and any injured individuals
When Law Enforcement Arrives
Police response to active shooter situations follows specific protocols. When officers arrive, they may not immediately help injured people as their first priority is neutralizing the threat. Remain calm, keep your hands visible, and follow all instructions precisely. Avoid quick movements or shouting, and provide any information you have about the shooter's location and appearance.
The Critical Role of Mental Health Support After Emergencies
Following traumatic events like campus shootings, universities provide comprehensive mental health support for affected communities. Old Dominion University's response demonstrates this commitment: "Counseling services and 24/7 crisis support are available for any students, faculty, or staff who may need emotional support following this incident. Trained professionals are available to listen, provide confidential care, and help connect individuals with additional support resources."
The university established a dedicated emergency center (757-683-6657) for families seeking information and support. Such post-crisis mental health services typically include individual counseling, group therapy sessions, crisis hotlines, and referrals to specialized trauma care. Research shows that early intervention and accessible mental health support can significantly improve long-term recovery for individuals affected by campus violence.
Key Takeaways for Campus Safety Awareness
The Old Dominion University shooting underscores several essential points about campus safety:
- Familiarize yourself with your university's emergency protocols before any crisis occurs
- Know the Run-Hide-Fight sequence and understand when each option is appropriate
- Register for your campus emergency alert system and keep contact information updated
- Identify multiple evacuation routes from buildings where you spend time regularly
- Participate in safety training sessions offered by your university
- Be aware of mental health resources available before you need them
- Remember that campus safety is a shared responsibility requiring community awareness and preparation
While no safety system can guarantee complete protection, understanding these protocols and preparing in advance can significantly improve outcomes during campus emergencies. Universities continue to evolve their safety measures based on lessons learned from incidents like the Old Dominion shooting, with the ultimate goal of creating secure learning environments where students, faculty, and staff can focus on education without fear.
