Old Dominion University Shooting: 1 Dead, 2 Injured, ROTC Students Kill ISIS-Linked Gunman in Classroom Terror Attack
One person is dead and two others were injured Thursday morning after a former U.S. Army National Guardsman with a prior ISIS conviction opened fire in an ROTC classroom at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. The shooter was killed by ROTC students inside the classroom. The FBI has formally opened the case as an act of terrorism. Old Dominion University is closed Friday, March 13.
What Happened at Old Dominion University: Timeline of the Attack
Shortly before 10:49 AM ET Thursday, a gunman opened fire in Constant Hall on Old Dominion University's main campus. University police received calls at 10:43 AM, officers arrived four minutes later, and by 10:50 AM the assailant was deceased.
The shooter walked into a class at Constant Hall — part of ODU's College of Business — and asked if it was an ROTC class. When someone confirmed it was, the shooter opened fire, fatally injuring the class instructor, who was a retired Army officer.
An all-clear was issued at 12:05 PM ET. Classes and all operations at Old Dominion University were canceled for the remainder of Thursday.
ROTC Students Kill the Gunman: "Extreme Bravery and Courage"
FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans said the ROTC students showed "extreme bravery and courage" and prevented further loss of life by stopping the suspect. The ROTC students subdued him and "rendered him no longer alive," Evans said. She confirmed the gunman was not shot by the students.
The students disarmed and killed the attacker after he opened fire. No officers fired a weapon, according to ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton.
Victims: Retired Army Officer Killed, Two Others Injured
Two of the ODU victims were transported by ambulance to the Level I trauma center at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. One of those patients passed away. The other remains in critical condition. A third person was treated and released from a freestanding emergency department in Virginia Beach after arriving in a personal vehicle.
Two members of the university ROTC program were shot and taken to a local hospital. The school confirmed all three victims were affiliated with the university. The identity of the deceased victim has not yet been publicly released.
Shooter Identified: Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, Ex-Army National Guard, Prior ISIS Conviction
The FBI identified the shooter as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, a former member of the Army National Guard who pleaded guilty in October 2016 to attempting to provide material support to ISIS. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison in February 2017 and was released early in December 2024.
Evans said that in the 2016 case, Jalloh had sought to conduct a terrorist attack similar to the 2009 Fort Hood shooting that killed 13 people. The FBI said he shouted "Allahu Akbar" before opening fire.
Court records showed Jalloh had previously stated that Ramadan would be the ideal time to carry out an attack. The attack occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
FBI Investigating ODU Shooting as Act of Terrorism
FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans confirmed the FBI is the lead investigative agency and is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism. Evans said Jalloh had previously been the subject of an FBI investigation related to material support for a terrorist organization.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on X that the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. The Bureau is urging the public to provide any tips or information to assist in the investigation.
Old Dominion University Closed Friday: Counseling Available
Old Dominion University will be closed Friday, March 13, 2026, at all locations. Classes are cancelled and operations are suspended. Counselors will be available from 8:00 AM through 5:00 PM. Student counseling is available in Broderick Dining Commons and faculty, staff, and community counseling is available in Student Government Chambers at Webb Center. Food services are available for students remaining in campus housing.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said she is monitoring the ongoing investigation and has spoken to university president Brian Hemphill. Virginia State Police are on the scene providing full support to local and federal officials.
ODU President Brian Hemphill said in a statement: "Our campus and our community have been truly shaken and forever impacted by this senseless act of violence."
