Full Breakdown
Old Dominion University Cadets Honored for Heroic Actions During Terror Attack
3/24/2026, 10:25:31 PM
Incident Overview: Attack at Old Dominion University
On March 12, 2024, a shooting incident occurred at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, when Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former National Guardsman with ties to the Islamic State, opened fire in an ROTC classroom. The attack resulted in the death of military science professor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, 42, and injuries to two other individuals. Jalloh, who had previously pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS, was killed by three ROTC cadets who intervened during the attack.
Recognition of Cadets' Actions
In recognition of their bravery, the Army's top civilian and enlisted leaders awarded eight Meritorious Service Medals and two Purple Hearts to the cadets involved in subduing Jalloh. The awards were presented in a private ceremony led by Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer. The cadets' identities were withheld for privacy reasons. According to Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI's Norfolk field office, the cadets "terminated the threat" without the use of firearms, as Jalloh was killed by stabbing.
Background on the Shooter
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Sierra Leone, had served in the Virginia Army National Guard from 2009 until his honorable discharge in 2015. He was released from federal custody in December 2021 after completing a drug treatment program, which allowed him to serve his sentence on supervised probation. This early release has raised questions about the effectiveness of the Justice Department's monitoring of individuals with terrorism-related convictions.
Official Statements & Responses
FBI Director Kash Patel commended the cadets for their swift actions, stating, "The shooter is now deceased thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him – actions that undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement." Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton noted that less than ten minutes elapsed between the initial call about the shooting and the confirmation of the shooter's death.
Criticism & Opposition
The circumstances surrounding Jalloh's early release have sparked criticism, with some attributing the incident to failures within the Justice Department. Critics argue that the policies allowing for reduced sentences for inmates convicted of terrorism-related offenses pose a significant risk to public safety. Additionally, former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli suggested that recent "social justice" legislation may have contributed to vulnerabilities on the university campus prior to the attack.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a lack of clarity regarding the number of students present in the classroom during the shooting, as well as the specific details surrounding Jalloh's eligibility for the drug treatment program that facilitated his early release. These gaps in information highlight the complexities of managing individuals with a history of terrorism-related offenses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They basically were able to terminate the threat.” — Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Norfolk Field Office
- “The shooter is now deceased thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him – actions that undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement,” — Kash Patel, FBI Director
