Old Dominion shooting is being investigated as act of terrorism, FBI director says
Old Dominion Shooting Under Investigation as Potential Terrorist Act
On Thursday, a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia has prompted federal authorities to classify the incident as a possible act of terrorism, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. The suspect, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, of Sterling, Virginia, was identified by law enforcement officials as the perpetrator. He also lost his life in the attack, as confirmed by senior officers briefed on the case.
Incident Timeline and Immediate Response
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:49 a.m. in Constant Hall, the university’s main building, as reported in an emergency alert. By 11:30 a.m., the school had declared it an “active shooter situation” and stated that the attacker had been “neutralized.” The alert initially warned of an active threat, later expanding to describe the ongoing gunfire.
“A group of brave students who stepped in and subdued the gunman most likely saved lives,” Patel said on X, highlighting the swift action taken by individuals on campus.
ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton confirmed that two victims were hospitalized, with one remaining in critical condition. A third individual sought medical attention independently. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, though WAVY reported that two are affiliated with the university’s ROTC program.
Shooter’s Background and Prior Conviction
According to officials, Jalloh was a former member of the Army National Guard and had previously been convicted of attempting to provide material support to ISIS. In 2016, he was arrested after purchasing an AR-15 rifle and planning to acquire an AK-47, which was denied by a gun seller. His actions in that case included funding individuals aiming to join the Islamic State, as documented in a federal case.
Jalloh received an 11-year prison sentence and five years of supervised release, pleaded guilty to the charge, and was released in 2024. Federal law requires defendants to serve at least 85% of their term, even with good behavior credits.
Gift Card Codes and Defense Arguments
In a 2017 sentencing memo, the government revealed that Jalloh sent gift card codes to an undercover FBI agent, whom he believed to be an ISIS operative. The prosecution had requested a 20-year sentence, but the defense argued that Jalloh’s actions reflected his “gullibility, impressionability, lack of sophistication, and passivity.” At his sentencing, he told the judge, “This entire crime is not who I am, it’s not who I plan to be, and it’s not who I have been.”
Impact on Campus and Community Response
The university issued alerts to evacuate the area, leading to the cancellation of classes on the main campus for the remainder of the day. It also announced the closure of the institution for Friday. Norfolk police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives field division responded to the scene.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed her condolences, stating, “I encourage community members to continue following guidance from the university and local emergency officials.” Norfolk Public Schools noted that students from nearly all local high schools were present on ODU’s campus during the attack, and a spokesperson confirmed that everyone was accounted for and safe.
University President Brian O. Hemphill emphasized the institution’s commitment to campus safety, stating, “We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times.” The incident has left the community shaken, with officials urging vigilance in the wake of the tragedy.
