Gunman Identified in Old Dominion University Shooting: One Dead, Two Injured

 

 

 Gunman Identified in Old Dominion University Shooting: One Dead, Two Injured

 

A tragic shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, has left one person dead and two others injured, shaking the campus community and prompting a major investigation by federal and local authorities. The suspect has been identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member with a previous conviction related to supporting the Islamic State (ISIS). Officials say the incident is now being investigated as a possible act of terrorism.

The Incident

The shooting occurred on the morning of March 12, 2026, at Constant Hall, a building that houses the university’s College of Business. According to campus police, the first reports of gunfire came in shortly before 11 a.m., when witnesses heard multiple shots coming from a classroom. Officers responded quickly and secured the area within minutes.

Authorities confirmed that the gunman opened fire inside a classroom where members of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) were present. Within minutes of the first emergency calls, police and emergency responders arrived on the scene. By the time officers entered the building, the suspect was already dead.

Initial reports suggested that two individuals had been injured. Later, officials confirmed that a third victim had gone to a hospital independently after the attack. One of the victims later died from their injuries, bringing the total death toll to one victim plus the gunman.

Victims and Injuries

All three victims were affiliated with Old Dominion University. According to officials and hospital representatives, two victims were transported by ambulance to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, a major trauma center in the region. One of those patients later died from their injuries, while another remains in critical condition. A third victim was treated and released from another medical facility after arriving by private vehicle.

Reports indicate that two of the victims were members of the Army ROTC program at ODU, which trains college students for military leadership roles. The identity of the deceased victim has not been immediately released, pending notification of family members.

The attack has deeply impacted the university community, as many students and staff were nearby during the shooting. Witnesses described hearing gunshots and seeing people rushing out of the building in panic.

Gunman Identified

Authorities later identified the shooter as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a 36-year-old former member of the U.S. Army National Guard. Jalloh had previously been convicted in 2016 for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a terrorist organization. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison but was released from federal custody in late 2024.

Law enforcement officials say that Jalloh entered the ROTC classroom before opening fire on those inside. The exact motive for the attack remains under investigation, though federal authorities have said the case is being treated as a potential act of terrorism.

According to reports, the gunman was ultimately subdued by a group of students before police arrived. Their actions may have prevented further casualties, officials said.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the bravery of those students likely saved lives during the incident.

Campus Response

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Old Dominion University issued a campus-wide alert advising students and staff to follow “run, hide, fight” emergency safety procedures. The university also implemented a shelter-in-place order while authorities secured the scene.

Within about an hour, officials declared that there was no longer an active threat on campus. Classes and operations at the university were canceled for the remainder of the day as investigators began examining the scene and collecting evidence.

University President Brian O. Hemphill addressed the tragedy in a message to the campus community, expressing condolences to the victims and gratitude to first responders.

“The safety of our campus community is my top priority,” Hemphill said, emphasizing the university’s commitment to providing support to students, faculty, and staff affected by the incident.

Counseling services and support resources were made available to students and employees in the days following the shooting.

Investigation Underway

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other federal agencies quickly joined local law enforcement in investigating the incident. Authorities are working to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the shooting and whether the attack was planned in advance.

Investigators are also examining the shooter’s background, including his previous terrorism-related conviction and his early release from prison in 2024. Some officials have raised questions about how he was able to carry out the attack after serving time for a terrorism offense.

The Joint Terrorism Task Force is involved in the investigation, which may take weeks or months to fully complete.

Community Reaction

The shooting has sparked widespread concern and grief across the Old Dominion University community and beyond. Students described chaotic scenes as people fled the building during the incident, while others sheltered in nearby rooms until police declared the area safe.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said her administration is closely monitoring the situation and providing support to local authorities and the university. She also expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

Old Dominion University is home to about 24,000 students and has strong ties to the military community, with many students connected to nearby naval and military installations in the region.

Because of these ties, the attack on ROTC members has drawn particular attention and concern.

Broader Context

School and university shootings remain a major concern across the United States. Incidents involving campuses have occurred periodically over the past decades, prompting ongoing debates about campus security, gun control, and mental health support.

The shooting at ODU adds to a series of tragic incidents that have occurred at universities nationwide. In this case, the suspected extremist background of the attacker has raised additional questions about security monitoring and the risks posed by individuals with prior terrorism-related convictions.

Moving Forward

In the days following the attack, Old Dominion University has focused on supporting its community and ensuring safety on campus. Classes were temporarily suspended while authorities completed their investigation and security assessments.

University officials have emphasized the importance of unity and resilience during this difficult time. Counseling services, memorial events, and additional security measures are being implemented as the campus community begins the process of healing.

Meanwhile, investigators continue working to determine the motive behind the shooting and whether the attacker acted alone.

For many students and faculty members, the tragedy has been a painful reminder of the vulnerability of public spaces and the importance of preparedness in emergencies. Yet it has also highlighted the courage of those who stepped in to stop the gunman and help protect others.

As the investigation continues, authorities say their primary goal is to uncover the full truth behind the attack and ensure that similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.