A former Army National Guard member with extremist ties to the Islamic State carried out a deadly attack at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday, killing a decorated ROTC instructor and injuring two individuals. Federal authorities have classified the incident as an act of terrorism, which was brought to an end by the swift actions of students present in the classroom.
"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
The attacker was identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, who entered a classroom in Constant Hall and reportedly asked if it was an ROTC class before opening fire. Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, the class instructor, was fatally shot during the assault. Two other individuals sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital, with one reportedly in critical condition on Thursday evening. During the attack, authorities stated that Jalloh shouted "Allahu Akbar," an Arabic phrase meaning "God is Great."
FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans commended the ROTC students in the classroom for their "extreme bravery and courage" in confronting the gunman. According to investigators, the students successfully subdued Jalloh, "rendering him no longer alive" and effectively ending the attack within minutes. FBI Director Kash Patel further credited the students, stating their actions "undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement."
Jalloh had a documented history with federal authorities related to terrorism. In 2016, he pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS. Court filings revealed that Jalloh had communicated with individuals linked to the terrorist organization and attempted to acquire a rifle for a potential attack. Prosecutors had also indicated that he sought to donate money to ISIS and explored plans for violence inspired by the 2009 Fort Hood terrorist attack. Federal agents ultimately arrested him following a sting operation where he purchased a rifle intended for a domestic terror plot.
Despite prosecutors advocating for a 20-year prison sentence, a federal judge sentenced Jalloh to 11 years in prison. He was subsequently released from federal custody in December 2024, having served approximately eight years.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger confirmed the identity of the fallen victim, Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, describing him as a devoted military officer and mentor. "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," Governor Spanberger stated. Shah, a veteran of multiple U.S. military operations, had returned to Old Dominion University in 2022 to lead the ROTC program and mentor aspiring Army officers. His death has elicited tributes from military and university officials, who remembered him as a dedicated patriot.
The shooting prompted an emergency alert across the campus around 10:50 a.m., instructing students and faculty to follow "Run-Hide-Fight" protocols. The university canceled classes and suspended operations for the remainder of the day as law enforcement secured the area and initiated a full investigation.
Federal and local officials emphasized that the incident highlights the persistent threat posed by radicalized individuals within the United States. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is continuing to investigate Jalloh’s background, contacts, and the motivations behind the deadly assault. The attack raises questions about the monitoring and reintegration of individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses upon their release from incarceration.
