Old Dominion University Shooting: ROTC Students Subdue Gunman with ISIS Ties

Norfolk, VA – On Thursday, March 12, 2026, a shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, left one person dead and two injured. The gunman, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member with a history of attempting to support the Islamic State (ISIS), was subdued and killed by Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) students.

Details of the Shooting

The incident unfolded in a classroom at ODU’s business school building. According to the FBI, Jalloh yelled “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire. ROTC students quickly intervened, overpowering and ultimately killing Jalloh, preventing further casualties. FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans praised the students’ “extreme bravery and courage” in a press conference. CTV News and The Associated Press reported on the swift action taken by the ROTC students.

The Gunman’s Background

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a naturalized U.S. Citizen from Sierra Leone, served in the Virginia Army National Guard as a specialist from 2009 to 2015, receiving an honorable discharge. Army Times detailed his military service.

In 2016, Jalloh pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was released on supervised release in December 2024, approximately 2.5 years into his sentence, after completing a drug treatment program. The Associated Press reported on his prior conviction and release.

Court documents reveal Jalloh had expressed interest in carrying out an attack similar to the 2009 Fort Hood shooting. He attempted to donate $500 to ISIS and purchase an AR-15 rifle, but was unsuccessful in acquiring the weapon.

Investigation and Response

The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism. FBI Director Kash Patel announced this on social media. Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton stated that less than 10 minutes passed between the initial call and the confirmation of the shooter’s death.

One of the injured individuals is in critical condition, while the other has been treated and released, according to Sentara Health. ODU has canceled classes and suspended operations on its main campus through Friday, March 14, 2026.

Victim Identified

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, the son-in-law of a Voorhees University trustee, has been identified as the victim who died in the shooting. Shah was an ODU ROTC alumnus and had returned to the university in 2022 as a leader for the program. He was a decorated Army pilot with deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Eastern Europe.