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Students who were inside the building when the gunfire erupted described a chaotic and terrifying moment. Sophomore Logan Hayes said he was taking a test inside Constant Hall when the situation suddenly escalated.
Hayes explained that the first indication something was wrong came when a fire alarm began sounding throughout the building. Unsure of what was happening but sensing danger, students rushed to leave the building as quickly as possible.
Moments later, the terrifying reality became clear.
Once outside, Hayes recalled hearing the violence unfold. “I heard about a multitude of gunshots go off and people just screaming,” he told WAVY-TV, describing the chilling moment students realized an active shooter situation was taking place on campus.
The witness said law enforcement officers arrived at the scene rapidly. Police quickly began securing the area around Constant Hall while moving students and staff away from danger zones. Emergency responders flooded the campus as authorities worked to bring the situation under control.
Law enforcement eventually neutralized the suspect, who was killed during the incident, according to university officials. Authorities have not yet released further details about the identity of the gunman or what may have motivated the attack.
In response to the unfolding crisis, the university immediately suspended all classes and campus operations for the rest of the day. Officials said the decision was made to ensure student safety and allow law enforcement to fully investigate the scene.
School leaders also urged members of the public to stay away from Constant Hall and the surrounding campus area while emergency crews and investigators continued their work.
Earlier in the emergency, the university sent out a campus-wide alert warning of the active threat and instructing students and staff to follow established safety protocols designed for such emergencies.
“O.D.U. Urgent Alert: Active threat reported at Constant Hall. Follow Run-Hide-Fight protocols. Emergency personnel responding. Avoid area,” the alert read.
The message reflects the widely used “Run, Hide, Fight” guidance that many schools and workplaces now employ to prepare individuals for active shooter scenarios.
The incident sent shockwaves through the campus community and beyond, highlighting once again the growing concern surrounding campus safety in the United States. For students who witnessed the frightening events firsthand, Thursday’s violence turned what should have been an ordinary morning of classes into a terrifying experience they will not soon forget.
Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, and more details are expected to emerge as law enforcement officials piece together what led to the deadly confrontation inside Constant Hall. Meanwhile, university officials say they are focused on supporting students, faculty, and staff affected by the traumatic event while ensuring the campus remains secure.
