Gunman in fatal Old Dominion University shooting ID’d as convicted ISIS supporter, officials say
Convicted ISIS Supporter Killed in Old Dominion University Shooting
Shooting at Virginia Campus Leaves One Dead, Two Injured
On Thursday morning, a gunman attacked Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. Law enforcement confirmed that the shooter, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, of Sterling, Virginia, was a former Army National Guard member with a history of providing material support to ISIS. The incident unfolded in Constant Hall around 10:49 a.m., according to the university’s emergency alert.
ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton stated during a news conference that one victim succumbed to their injuries and that the remaining two were hospitalized but in stable condition. A third individual, who self-referred to the hospital, was also treated. The identities of the victims remain undisclosed, though NBC affiliate WAVY reported that two of them were affiliated with the school’s ROTC program.
“A group of brave students who stepped in and subdued the gunman most likely saved lives,” remarked FBI Director Kash Patel on X.
The shooting is under investigation as a potential act of terrorism. Authorities have not yet revealed a definitive motive, though Jalloh’s 2016 case linked him to a plot targeting U.S. military personnel. In that incident, he attempted to purchase an AK-47 in North Carolina but was denied, leading him to acquire an AR-15 locally on July 2, 2016. He was arrested the following day and pleaded guilty to providing funds to ISIS members.
Jalloh’s prior conviction included a 2017 sentencing memo detailing his efforts to send gift card codes to an undercover FBI agent, whom he believed was part of ISIS. Federal prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence, but his defense team emphasized his “gullibility” and lack of sophistication. Jalloh, who served 11 years in prison, was released in 2024 after completing 85% of his sentence.
Following the shooting, the university declared the threat neutralized by 11:30 a.m. and urged people to steer clear of the area. Classes were suspended for the remainder of the day, and the campus closed on Friday. Norfolk police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Washington field division were involved in the response. Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed her ongoing vigilance, stating, “My Administration remains in close contact with local emergency responders as state support is being mobilized to assist ODU and Norfolk.”
Norfolk Public Schools noted that students from nearly all local high schools were visiting the university for a tour during the attack. A district spokesperson assured WAVY that everyone on campus was secure. University President Brian O. Hemphill commended the quick actions of law enforcement, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to campus safety.
