A routine Thursday morning at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, was shattered by a shooting that left one person dead and two others injured. The gunman, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, was also killed during the incident. The attack, which unfolded in Constant Hall, has prompted a wave of questions about Jalloh’s past and the circumstances surrounding the violence.
The incident quickly drew attention to Jalloh’s prior legal troubles and military background. Authorities have revealed that Jalloh was a former Virginia National Guardsman with ties to ISIS, and had previously served time in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to the terrorist organization. This history raises serious concerns about potential motivations and the challenges of reintegrating individuals with extremist pasts into society.
According to law enforcement officials, Jalloh shouted “Allahu Akbar” – Arabic for “God is greater” – before opening fire. Brave actions by Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) students are credited with preventing further bloodshed. “Brave ROTC members in that room subdued him, and if not for them, I’m not sure what else he may have done,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans on Thursday.
The quick response of the ROTC students was pivotal in ending the threat. Multiple law enforcement sources reported that one of the students stabbed Jalloh, though the exact cause of his death remains under investigation. The incident underscores the courage and training of the ROTC program and its potential to respond effectively in crisis situations.
Jalloh’s Military Service and Radicalization
Jalloh served in the Virginia Army National Guard as a combat engineer from April 2009 to April 2015, without any deployments. He left the Army as a specialist, a junior rank attained after four years of service. Although, his involvement with extremist ideologies began to surface years before the shooting. In 2016, Jalloh attempted to procure weapons and donate money to ISIS, demonstrating a clear intent to support the group’s activities.
Court documents reveal that Jalloh became radicalized after consuming extremist propaganda, including lectures from al-Qaeda-linked cleric Anwar al-Awlaki. He expressed to an FBI confidential informant that he had considered carrying out an attack in the United States, believing such actions were “the right thing.” This demonstrates a deliberate path toward violent extremism and a willingness to act on those beliefs.
Jalloh was arrested on July 3, 2016, for attempting to provide material support to ISIS and pleaded guilty later that year. He was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison in October 2017, followed by five years of supervised release, according to the FBI. Prosecutors had initially recommended a 20-year sentence.
Early Release and Timing of the Attack
Jalloh was released from federal custody on December 23, 2024, after completing a drug treatment program, which allowed him to shave time off his sentence. It remains unclear how Jalloh qualified for this program, as individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses are typically ineligible for such sentence reductions. This raises questions about the criteria for participation and the potential risks associated with early release.
The timing of the attack during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is also significant. Court records indicate that Jalloh had previously expressed a belief that Ramadan would be an ideal time to carry out an attack. This suggests a deliberate planning process and a connection between his extremist ideology and religious observance.
The shooting at Old Dominion University has prompted a thorough investigation into Jalloh’s background, motivations, and the factors that contributed to his radicalization. Authorities are working to determine whether he acted alone or was part of a larger network.
“A heroic ROTC student fatally stabbed the crazed gunman who opened fire inside an Old Dominion University classroom, preventing further carnage Thursday, law enforcement sources said. Shooter Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, gunned down an instructor before the unidentified cadet… https://t.co/HbHEBxgNq3
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 12, 2026
As of now, there is no ongoing threat to the ODU campus community. The university is providing support services to students, faculty, and staff affected by the tragedy. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are committed to uncovering all the facts surrounding this devastating event. The focus now shifts to understanding how Jalloh was able to carry out this attack and what measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of extremism and the importance of vigilance, and preparedness. It also highlights the bravery of those who intervened to protect others and the need for continued support for those affected by violence.
Please share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below. If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult emotions, please reach out for help. You can find resources at SAMHSA’s National Helpline.
