Full Breakdown
Cadets Heroically Subdue Gunman at Old Dominion University
4/10/2026, 3:24:22 AM
Incident Overview: The Attack and Response
On March 12, 2026, a gunman, identified as Army National Guard veteran Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, entered a classroom at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, targeting Army ROTC cadets. Jalloh, who had previously pleaded guilty to attempting to aid the Islamic State and was on supervised release, brandished a pistol and shouted "Allahu akbar" before firing at the class. In a remarkable display of bravery, Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, the ROTC leader, lunged at Jalloh, ultimately sacrificing his life to protect his students. Cadets, including Louis Ancheta and Jeremy Rawlinson, quickly responded by using their knives to subdue the attacker.
Cadets' Accounts of the Heroic Actions
In a video released by the Army ROTC, cadets recounted the harrowing moments of the attack. Cadet Jah-Ire Urtarte credited Shah's actions with saving lives, stating, "If he didn’t lunge at him, you know, I wouldn’t be here right now." Cadet Ancheta described how he was shot in the chest but continued to fight, saying, “It really didn’t feel like it hit me... I can keep on going.” The cadets worked together to disarm Jalloh, with Cadet Wesley Myers focusing on prying the gun from the shooter's grip.
Immediate Aftermath: Providing Aid
Once the threat was neutralized, the cadets turned their attention to aiding the wounded. Cadet Samuel Reineberg discovered Shah's gunshot wound and, along with Rawlinson, applied a tourniquet using a belt. Cadet Myers assisted Ancheta, who had also been injured, emphasizing the emotional weight of treating a friend rather than a mannequin. The cadets' swift transition to combat care was a testament to their training.
Recognition and Reflection
In recognition of their bravery, several cadets received medals, including the Purple Heart awarded to Ancheta. They expressed deep gratitude for Shah's leadership and training, which prepared them for the crisis. Rawlinson noted, “He got to see all the training that he and the rest of Cadre had been giving us... they immediately switched over.” Cadet Oshea Bego highlighted Shah's exemplary character, stating, “Col. Shah really set that example for what it means, not just as a warrior, leader and soldier, but also just as a human being.”
Official Statements & Responses
Following the incident, cadets reflected on the importance of Shah's guidance. Cadet Brandon Rebolledo mentioned that just days before the shooting, Shah had advised students against wearing their uniforms on campus due to rising tensions related to events in the Middle East. This precautionary measure underscored Shah's commitment to the safety of his cadets.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If he didn’t lunge at him, you know, I wouldn’t be here right now,” — Cadet Jah-Ire Urtarte
- “It really didn’t feel like it hit me,” — Cadet Louis Ancheta
- “So, he got to see all the training that he and the rest of Cadre had been giving us for the past years, he got to see us instantly do that in action,” — Cadet Jeremy Rawlinson
- “Col. Shah really set that example for what it means, not just as a warrior, leader and soldier, but also just as a human being.” — Cadet Oshea Bego
Conclusion
The incident at Old Dominion University serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence in educational settings and the extraordinary courage displayed by individuals in the face of danger. The actions of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and the cadets not only prevented further tragedy but also highlighted the importance of preparedness and leadership in crisis situations.
