05-03-2025
ODU students address safety concerns at SGA meeting
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Students worried about their safety following two incidents involving guns, including a fatal double shooting at Old Dominion University, packed a student government meeting Tuesday afternoon.
2 dead in shooting at ODU; students and officials react
'Everything's a bit jarring considering two people died where I walk to class everyday,' said ODU student Garrett Rodgers.
That's the harsh reality that ODU students have faced after two gun events on campus — one a shooting that claimed killed two men, neither of them students, and the other, a man seen with a firearm Sunday in the recreation center.
Portsmouth man arrested in connection to gun on ODU's campus
Christian Kent, 21, was later arrested and charged with brandishing a firearm.
The ODU Student Government Association meeting was closed to the media, but it gave students a platform to discuss recent events.
'Just the overall safety of the school and the events themselves and we wanted more details,' Rodgers said.
Students and even parents shared similar sentiments.
'I feel somewhat safe,' one student said, while another student said that 'my mom heard about it through social media, and she was concerned.'
Campus law enforcement attended the meeting to answer questions, but some said it would have been nice to hear from university president Brian Hemphill, who did not come to the meeting.
'Many students are probably shocked to see that the president of ODU is not present at a meeting of this magnitude, and it's very disappointing to me,' Rodgers said.
Guest passes for the recreation center have been revoked, but students want more. Some want metal detectors, but for now students are urged to use the LiveSafe app and to be vigilant.
In a message to students, faculty and staff Hemphill said:
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:
In light of the difficult week for our community, thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we support each other and cooperate with the City of Norfolk Police Department's investigation regarding the recent tragic incident. As a University, we recognize our important role as a leading partner and active member of the Norfolk community. In that same spirit, we continue to extend our condolences and sympathy to the family members and loved ones of those lost.
As the investigation continues, there is a growing call for both details and answers. While the concern and interest are understandable, we cannot and will not compromise or interfere with the ongoing and diligent efforts of the City of Norfolk Police Department. I am confident they will bring this investigation to a close as soon as possible and provide a direct opportunity to share details of the investigation once concluded. In the interim, I urge you to be mindful of discussion and speculation that is occurring in our broader community and on social media.
Most importantly, please be reminded that there is no ongoing threat and has not been one to our campus since the all clear message was sent late Wednesday. I have heard from some individuals that the all clear message was too brief and insensitive. The reality is that our alert system has a minimal character limit, and University Police Chief Garrett Shelton provided a more detailed update with as much information as he could share in the hours following the incident. Since that time, additional messages have been shared with our students, faculty, and staff.
As feedback has also been provided regarding the University's actions and response during this tragedy, I want to share some of the many factors that must be considered. For example, individuals have expressed concern that classes for Thursday were not cancelled. It is important to note that the University offered increased outreach and direct engagement to support our community. Also, if classes would have been cancelled, then a day of Spring Break would have to be removed due to the allowable number of closure days in order to meet accreditation requirements as a result of the significant winter weather that has impacted our area and campus since the beginning of the semester.
Although no Old Dominion University students, faculty, or staff were injured or directly involved, this after-hours incident has significantly impacted our campus community due to the level of care and concern, as well as uneasiness and uncertainty, that it has generated. I encourage each of you to remain patient and exhibit understanding as we show respect for the families of those lost; the active and diligent work of the City of Norfolk Police Department; and the ongoing efforts of our entire campus in serving as dedicated and participating members of the community in which we learn, live, and work. This is a serious situation and one that is not taken lightly due to the critical nature and strong commitment to the safety of all Monarchs.
Sincerely,
Brian O. Hemphill,
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