A tragic shooting unfolded at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday (March 12), resulting in the death of one person and injuries to two others. The shooter, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a 36-year-old former Army National Guardsman, was found dead at the scene.
He had previously been convicted of providing material support to ISIS, according to an FBI official.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:49 a.m. when Jalloh entered a classroom in Constant Hall and asked if it was an ROTC class. When people in the class said yes, he then opened fire, killing an instructor who was a retired military officer. The situation was halted when an ROTC student intervened and fatally stabbed Jalloh, preventing further casualties, according to The New York Post.
Jalloh’s history with ISIS dates back to 2016 when he met with an undercover FBI agent while plotting to assist the terror group. He was arrested and sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2017 but was released early in December 2024.
The incident prompted an immediate response from Norfolk Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The university issued an emergency alert at 10:50 a.m., warning of an “active threat” and advising students to follow “Run-Hide-Fight” protocols. By 11:43 a.m., the school confirmed there was “no longer a threat” on campus.
ODU President Brian Hemphill described the shooting as a “tragedy” and praised the swift response of university police and emergency personnel. The university has made counseling services available to students, faculty, and staff.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed her concern and stated that state support is being mobilized to assist ODU and Norfolk.
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