Old Dominion University Shooting: Lt. Col. Brandon Shah Remembered, Shooter Was on Probation, Michigan Synagogue Attack Same Day — Friday Update
Old Dominion University is closed Friday, March 13, 2026, as the FBI terrorism investigation deepens into Thursday's ROTC classroom attack. New details emerging this morning reveal the shooter Mohamed Bailor Jalloh was still on probation at the time of the attack — and Thursday's violence did not stop at ODU. Hours later, a separate car-ramming attack struck a Detroit-area synagogue in Michigan.
Lt. Col. Brandon Shah: Who He Was
Shah was a professor of military science and a department chair at Old Dominion's ROTC program. He was commended in 2023 for increasing enrollment in the ROTC program by nearly 50 percent — from 95 to nearly 140 students.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger wrote that Lt. Col. Shah was killed in his classroom at Old Dominion University, calling him a devoted ROTC instructor who didn't just lead a life of service to his country but taught and led others to follow that path. She said she was deeply saddened by his death and praying for his family.
Two other U.S. Army personnel were injured, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll confirmed. Both remain in stable condition as of Friday morning.
New Detail: Shooter Was on Federal Probation When He Attacked
Jalloh was previously convicted of supporting ISIS and was on probation when he carried out Thursday's attack, according to court documents. He had sent gift card codes to an undercover FBI employee he believed was a member of ISIS, and in 2016 traveled to North Carolina to try to buy an AK-47 for what he described as a plot to murder U.S. military personnel.
When discussing the timeline for a possible attack on U.S. soil, Jalloh expressed that it was better to plan an operation for Ramadan, according to an FBI agent affidavit. Thursday's attack fell during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in 2026. He had long been inspired by the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, in which an Army psychiatrist killed 13 people.
How the Students Killed the Gunman: Stabbing Confirmed
When Jalloh opened fire, the ROTC students inside barely hesitated before leaping up to subdue their attacker. One of the students stabbed Jalloh, according to multiple law enforcement sources briefed on the case.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans said that prior to the attack Jalloh shouted "Allahu Akbar" and that brave ROTC members in the room subdued him — stating that if not for them, she is not sure what else he may have done.
Michigan Synagogue Car-Ramming Attack: Same Day, Separate Investigation
In a separate incident in Michigan, the FBI is investigating a car-ramming attack on a large Detroit-area synagogue as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community. The suspect was identified and is deceased. No one else was injured in the attack, and there is no immediate indication the two incidents were connected. The FBI is treating both cases as active terrorism investigations simultaneously.
ODU Closed Friday: What Students and Families Need to Know
Old Dominion University is closed Friday, March 13, 2026, at all locations. Classes are cancelled and operations are suspended. Constant Hall remains closed as the investigation is ongoing. Counselors are available from 8:00 AM through 5:00 PM on main campus, with student counseling in Broderick Dining Commons and faculty, staff, and community counseling in Student Government Chambers at Webb Center. Food services are available for students remaining in campus housing.
ODU President Brian Hemphill said the campus and community have been truly shaken and forever impacted by this senseless act of violence, pledging the university's sustained commitment to the campus community in the weeks and months ahead. For immediate counseling support, students can call ODU Counseling Services at 757-683-4401. In any emergency, call 911 immediately.
