A shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, resulted in one fatality and two injuries, prompting an investigation by the FBI as an act of terrorism. The gunman, identified as 36-year-old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was a former Virginia National Guardsman who had previously been imprisoned for attempting to support ISIS.
The incident took place in Constant Hall, part of the university’s College of Business, where Jalloh reportedly entered a classroom and inquired if it was an ROTC class. Upon confirmation, he opened fire, fatally injuring the instructor, a retired Army officer. According to Dominique Evans, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Office, Jalloh shouted “Allahu Akbar” before the attack, indicating a possible motive linked to his past affiliations.
Jalloh was ultimately subdued and killed by students in the classroom, with reports indicating that one of the students used a knife to end the threat. Evans highlighted the students’ actions as crucial, stating that without their intervention, the situation could have escalated further. Investigators confirmed that Jalloh had only one weapon on him and no explosives were found in his vehicle or at other locations.
Details of the Incident
During the shooting, two victims were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where one was later pronounced dead. The second victim remains in critical condition. A third individual was treated and released after arriving at a nearby facility by personal vehicle. All victims were affiliated with the university and the identity of the deceased has not yet been released.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll expressed his condolences on social media, noting that two of the injured were Army personnel. He stated, “I’m praying for them and all those impacted by this terrible event.”
Background of the Gunman
Jalloh had a significant criminal history, having been sentenced to 11 years in prison for providing material support to ISIS. He was released early in December 2024, after serving time for his conviction. At his sentencing in 2017, he expressed deep regret for his actions and claimed to be disgusted by the violence associated with ISIS. In a statement to the court, he apologized to the American military and the public, asserting that he never intended to cause harm.
Jalloh served in the Virginia National Guard from April 2009 until his honorable discharge in April 2015. He held the rank of specialist and served as a combat engineer, but he had no deployments during his time in service.
Response and Aftermath
FBI Director Kash Patel commended the swift actions of the students and law enforcement, stating that their quick response prevented the situation from worsening. Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot assured the community that there was no ongoing threat to the area, and the university issued an all-clear notification shortly after the incident. “The emergency at Constant Hall has ended,” the university announced, confirming that there was no longer an active threat.
Students on campus described the chaos during the shooting, with one junior recalling the moment the fire alarm went off and the ensuing panic as people fled the building. “It was just terrifying,” he said, detailing the confusion and fear that gripped the classroom.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is similarly involved in the investigation, providing additional resources and support as needed. The university announced it would be closed on Friday to allow for further assessments and to support the affected community.
What’s Next?
The FBI continues to investigate the shooting as an act of terrorism, seeking to understand Jalloh’s motives and whether there were any accomplices involved. The community is left grappling with the implications of the event, and discussions surrounding campus safety are likely to intensify following this tragic incident.
As more details emerge, the university and local authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of students and faculty, although offering support to those impacted by the shooting. Discussions about preventative measures and resources for mental health support within the university community are expected to follow.
For those affected by this tragic event, resources are available for support, and the community continues to reach together in solidarity.
