Full Breakdown
Tragic Shooting at Old Dominion University Investigated as Act of Terrorism
3/15/2026, 8:03:46 AM
Overview of the Incident
On March 12, 2026, a shooting occurred at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to two others. The shooter, identified as 36-year-old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former member of the Virginia Army National Guard, was also killed during the incident. The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism, as Jalloh reportedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" before opening fire in a classroom filled with Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) students.
Background of the Shooter
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh was a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone. He served in the Virginia Army National Guard from 2009 until 2015, when he was honorably discharged. In 2016, Jalloh was arrested and later pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State (ISIS), resulting in an 11-year prison sentence. He was released from federal custody in December 2024, approximately two and a half years before the end of his sentence, after completing a drug treatment program. At the time of the shooting, Jalloh was on supervised release, which is comparable to probation.
Details of the Attack
The shooting began shortly before 10:49 a.m. when Jalloh entered a classroom in Constant Hall, the university's business school, and asked if it was an ROTC class. Upon confirmation, he opened fire, fatally injuring the class instructor, Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, and wounding two other ROTC members. Shah, a decorated military veteran and professor of military science, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
ROTC students in the classroom acted quickly to subdue Jalloh, with one student reportedly stabbing him, leading to his death. FBI Special Agent Dominique Evans praised the students for their bravery, stating, "If not for them, I'm not sure what else he may have done."
Official Statements and Responses
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the agency is treating the incident as an act of terrorism and commended the students' actions for preventing further casualties. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed her condolences, stating, "A devoted ROTC instructor, Lt. Col. Shah didn’t just lead a life of service to our country; he taught and led others to follow that path."
Old Dominion University President Brian Hemphill described the event as a "tragedy" and emphasized the university's commitment to ensuring the safety of its community. Counseling services were made available to students and staff following the incident.
Criticism and Opposition
The shooting has raised questions regarding Jalloh's early release from prison and the conditions surrounding it. U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans expressed outrage that a known terrorist was able to carry out such an attack, stating, "The horrific tragedy that occurred today on ODU's campus never should have happened."
Investigation and Next Steps
The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation, seeking to understand Jalloh's motivations and any potential connections to other individuals or groups. Authorities are also looking into how Jalloh obtained the firearm used in the attack, which had an obliterated serial number, complicating the investigation.
As the community mourns the loss of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, the investigation continues to unfold, with the FBI urging anyone with information to come forward.
