A tragic shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) resulted in one fatality and two injuries, but the swift intervention by students prevented further loss, as confirmed by officials who praised their courageous actions.
The shooter, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, a former Army National Guard soldier with a prior conviction for supporting ISIS, reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire inside the Virginia campus on Thursday.
The FBI is treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. FBI Director Kash Patel announced that Jalloh was disarmed by quick-thinking ODU students, who played a crucial role in stopping the attack.
The suspect, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was involved in the shooting at ODU on Thursday, March 12, 2026. (Photo courtesy of WTKR)
“Thanks to the bravery of these students and the prompt response from law enforcement, the shooter was subdued, which undoubtedly prevented further casualties,” Patel stated in a social media update.
ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton confirmed to reporters at a news conference that Jalloh was pronounced dead at the scene.
While Jallah was not shot, the FBI has not yet elaborated on how he died.
“The brave ROTC members in that room subdued him,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans told reporters. “And if not for them, I’m not sure you know what else he may have done. But that’s exactly what they did. They confronted him, and they subdued him, and he was no longer able to conduct any further attack.”
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger identified the victim as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, describing him as a “devoted ROTC instructor.”
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, the individual identified as the shooter at ODU on Thursday, March 12, 2026. (The Intercept)
“Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was killed today in his classroom at Old Dominion University. 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,” Spanberger said. “I am grateful for his example, deeply saddened by his death, and praying for his family. Amid this tragedy, I thank the brave students, first responders, and law enforcement officers who responded quickly to today’s horrific attack.”
One injured victim was transported to a local hospital and another drove themselves to receive treatment in Virginia Beach, authorities added. Both were in stable condition as of Thursday afternoon.
Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was identified as the instructor killed in Thursday’s deadly shooting at Old Dominion University. (Old Dominion University)
Multiple sources confirmed to Fox News that Jalloh was previously convicted in 2017 of providing material support to ISIS, and was later released in 2024.
He was a naturalized U.S. citizen from Sierra Leone and served in the Virginia National Guard before quitting the military after listening to online lectures by Anwar al-Aulaqi, a deceased leader of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, he told investigators when he was arrested in 2016.
Police arrive outside Old Dominion University’s campus after reports of an active shooter on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Norfolk, Va. (AP Photo/John Clark)
Upon meeting with ISIS members in Nigeria, he attempted to purchase firearms in both North Carolina and Virginia, the Department of Justice said at the time.
The FBI is providing assistance and working alongside local authorities as officials continue to investigate the shooting, Patel said.
“We will update as able,” he added.
Immediately following the shooting, ODU canceled classes and other campus operations, while also making counseling services available to members of the school community.
“The safety of our campus community is my top priority. We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times,” ODU President Brian Hemphill said. “We take this responsibility very seriously and remain vigilant in our efforts to maintain a safe campus. I extend my thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the incident, as well as the entire campus and the broader community.”
