Old Dominion University Shooting: ROTC Students Subdue Terror-Linked Gunman
A shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, left one person dead and two injured before the gunman was subdued and killed by ROTC students. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.
Suspect Identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh
The shooter has been identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, a former Virginia National Guardsman. Jalloh previously pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to ISIS and was released from prison in 2024.
Details of the Attack
According to the FBI, Jalloh entered a classroom in Constant Hall and asked if anyone in the room was in the Army. After receiving an affirmative response, he opened fire, shouting “Allahu Akbar” . He fatally shot Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a professor of Military Science, and wounded two other individuals before being subdued by students in the class .
Heroic Actions of ROTC Students
ROTC students in the classroom bravely intervened, ultimately killing Jalloh. One student reportedly stabbed the shooter during the struggle . FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans praised their actions, stating that their courage likely prevented further casualties .
Jalloh’s Past and Motives
Jalloh served in the Virginia National Guard from 2009 to 2015 as a combat engineer and was honorably discharged. In 2016, he attempted to purchase an AK-47 and later an AR-15 as part of a plot to murder U.S. Military personnel . He was sentenced to 11 years in prison and five years of probation for attempting to provide material support to ISIS .
Investigation Ongoing
The FBI is continuing to investigate the shooting as a potential act of terrorism. The motives behind the attack remain under investigation .
Victims and Aftermath
Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was identified as the victim who died in the shooting. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger described him as a devoted ROTC instructor . Two other individuals were hospitalized, with one listed in critical condition and another released after treatment .