Suspect Identified in Old Dominion University Shooting
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former army national guard member, has been identified by authorities as the suspect who fatally shot one person and injured two others at Old Dominion University (ODU). A person familiar with the matter informed the Associated Press that Jalloh pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State.
Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in prison and was released from federal custody in December 2024.
Investigation and Official Statements
Kash Patel, the director, confirmed that the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism.
“Earlier today, an armed individual opened fire at Old Dominion University, leaving one person dead and two others wounded,” Patel said on social media. “The shooter is now deceased thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him – actions that undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement.
“The FBI is now investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism,” he added. “Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is fully engaged, embedded with local authorities, and providing all resources necessary in the investigation. In the meantime, please pray for the victims, their families, and the ODU community.”
Response and Details from University Police
At a news conference on Thursday afternoon, Garrett Shelton, the Old Dominion University police chief, stated that officers responded after receiving reports of gunfire in a classroom within the university’s business school building, Constant Hall.
Initially, the university reported two victims; however, Shelton later confirmed that a third victim had transported themselves to a hospital. The cause of the shooter’s death was not immediately clarified, and Shelton did not confirm whether any officers discharged their weapons during the incident.
All three victims are affiliated with the university. Shelton emphasized that the investigation is in its early stages and that the full cause of death of the shooter has not yet been determined.
He added that officers arrived within less than ten minutes of the call and found the shooter deceased.
Military Affiliations and Victim Status
Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Delongchamp, public information officer for the US Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky, informed the Associated Press that two of the wounded individuals are members of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at ODU.
“We will continue to coordinate with the university and law enforcement agencies as they investigate the incident,” Delongchamp said in a brief telephone interview. “There’s still a lot more stuff we have to work out.”
Medical Treatment and Campus Status
Sentara Health reported that two victims were transported by ambulance to the Level I trauma center at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. One of these patients has died, while the other remains in critical condition.
A third individual was treated and released from the Sentara Independence free-standing emergency department in Beach after arriving via personal vehicle, according to Sentara Health.
Within approximately one hour of the shooting, Old Dominion University declared that there was no longer a threat on campus.
The public university, located in Norfolk, canceled classes and suspended all operations on its main campus through Friday. The university also urged people to avoid the area around Constant Hall while emergency officials continued their work. Counseling and food services remained available to the community.
University Leadership Response
In a message to the university community, ODU President Brian Hemphill addressed the tragedy on campus, expressing gratitude for the swift emergency response and extending thoughts and prayers to those affected.
“The safety of our campus community is my top priority,” Hemphill wrote. “We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times.”
Federal and State Support
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced on the social platform X that agents were on the scene supporting the response efforts.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger stated via social media that she was monitoring the situation and that state support was being mobilized to assist Old Dominion University, though she did not provide specific details.
University Profile
Old Dominion University, located in coastal Norfolk, has an enrollment of approximately 24,000 students, including 17,500 undergraduates.
