Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Old Dominion University (ODU) campus in Norfolk, Virginia, was rocked by a shooting on Thursday, March 12, 2026, resulting in one death and two injuries.
The shooter, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, also died at the scene.
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently investigating this horrific incident as an act of terrorism, noting the perpetrator's prior conviction for attempting to support the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group.
The incident prompted a swift response from authorities and the campus community, with classes canceled and counseling services provided to assist affected students and staff.
Chronology of the Horrific Events at Constant Hall
The shooting incident at Old Dominion University began shortly before 10:49 a.m. local time on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
The perpetrator, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, entered a classroom in Constant Hall, a building in the College of Business, and asked if it was an ROTC class.
Upon receiving confirmation, Jalloh opened fire while shouting "Allahu Akbar," killing one person and wounding two others.
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) students in the classroom quickly responded to subdue the perpetrator to halted the attack and prevented further casualties.
Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton stated that less than 10 minutes elapsed between the first call about the shooting and the perpetrator's death.
Attacker's Identity and Background
The perpetrator of the Old Dominion University shooting was identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36.
Jalloh was a former member of the U.S. Army National Guard with a history of involvement with terrorism.
In 2016, Jalloh pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group.
He was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2017 and released in December 2024.
Jalloh's background as a former military member who later became an ISIS sympathizer and was convicted of terrorism was a major focus of the FBI investigation.
Jalloh’s sister, Fatmatu Jalloh of Sterling, Virginia, said Thursday she knew nothing about the attack. She said she last saw her brother two days earlier.
“I have no idea what is going on,” she said. “I know nothing. I don’t even know who to call.”
Victims and Campus Response
One victim killed in the incident was Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, an ROTC instructor and an Old Dominion University alumnus.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger identified Shah and commended him for his service.
The other two injured victims were members of the university's ROTC program, with one victim in critical condition and the other treated and released.
All victims were affiliated with the university.
Following the incident, Old Dominion University issued an emergency advisory and canceled classes and operations on the main campus for Thursday, March 12, and again for Friday, March 13, 2026.
FBI Investigation and Broader Impact
The FBI is officially investigating the shooting at Old Dominion University as an act of terrorism.
Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI's Norfolk field office, commended the ROTC students for their extraordinary bravery in stopping the shooter.
Although the shooter was found dead at the scene, further details regarding the cause of death were not released.
However, Evans confirmed that Jalloh was not shot.
The investigation will also focus on whether Jalloh specifically targeted ROTC members and whether others were involved in planning the attack.