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Fatal shooting at Old Dominion University investigated as terrorism
One person died and two others were injured Thursday when a former Virginia National Guard member opened fire in a classroom at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. The FBI is treating the incident as an act of terrorism.
Suspect identified and killed during attack
The alleged gunman, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was subdued and killed by students before law enforcement arrived. Dominique Evans, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Norfolk field office, confirmed Jalloh had previously been imprisoned for attempting to support the Islamic State group.
According to law enforcement sources cited by CBS News, Jalloh entered a classroom in Constant Hall, the university's business school building, and asked if it was an ROTC class. After receiving confirmation, he opened fire.
Victims and response
Three individuals were shot during the incident. One victim, later identified as the class instructor and a retired military officer, died from injuries at a hospital. The other two victims, both army personnel, survived, according to U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
Students in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program tackled Jalloh and restrained him until he was no longer a threat, Evans said. FBI Director Kash Patel praised the students' actions, stating they "undoubtedly saved lives."
Suspect's background and motives
Jalloh had a history of extremist ties. In 2016, he was arrested and pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group. He was released from prison in 2024 after serving his sentence.
Evans revealed that Jalloh had previously expressed intentions to carry out an attack similar to the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, which killed 13 people. Authorities are investigating the Norfolk incident as terrorism due to Jalloh's prior conviction and reports that he shouted "Allahu Akbar" before opening fire.
"The investigation is ongoing, but we are treating this as an act of terrorism based on the suspect's history and actions," Evans said during a news conference.
Broader context
The shooting occurred hours before a separate incident in Michigan, where a vehicle rammed into a synagogue and school. Authorities reported that all children and staff were safely evacuated, though one security guard was injured and is expected to recover.
No connection between the two incidents has been established, and Evans confirmed there was no mention of the war in Iran in relation to the Norfolk attack.
