There was a shooting at ODU yesterday. Both of my girls attended ODU and one of them was picking up a friend on campus during the lock down. All too familiar texts were exchanged confirming her status and describing the events. A terrorist attack at that campus was shocking. It proves that we are not immune but the facts surrounding the shooting shows that ODU students are different. The news indicated that the ROTC students subdued the assailant and rendered the shooter “no longer alive.” Which is an awkward way to describe that the students killed the shooter. Clearly this is a different outcome than what other shootings have revealed. The limited rampage and quick resolution did not involve police action. ROTC students who are committed to military careers were thrust into action way too early but obviously they rose to the occasion. This terrorist attack in our backyard could have had a far more tragic (although it was tragic enough) outcome but for these brave students. I guess we are living in a world now that requires 24hr vigilance at home and abroad. The resolution to this shooting reinforces my general feeling that our community is full of dedicated and committed veterans and military supporters. We in the 757 are constantly dealing with neighbors deployed to conflicts abroad and now at home. I feel better knowing that our students are ready to take up the cause against terrorism when the challenge is presented. Those students did not hesitate they acted. Good for them.
Albert R. Hartley