Gunman in fatal Old Dominion University shooting ID’d as convicted ISIS supporter, officials say
Fatal Shooting at Old Dominion University Involves Convicted ISIS Supporter, Authorities Confirm
Gunman Identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a Former Army National Guard Member
Law enforcement officials have confirmed the identity of the individual responsible for a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday. The attack, which occurred at 10:49 a.m., left one person dead and two others injured, according to university emergency alerts. The shooter, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, of Sterling, Virginia, was previously convicted of offering material support to the Islamic State (ISIS), as revealed by two senior law enforcement sources.
Jalloh, who was also killed in the incident, targeted an ROTC class on campus, officials said. The university issued an urgent alert at 10:48 a.m., warning of an active threat, and later classified the event as an “active shooter situation” by 11:30 a.m. The school declared the immediate danger had been eliminated but urged people to stay clear of the affected area.
“A group of brave students who stepped in and subdued the gunman most likely saved lives,” stated FBI Director Kash Patel on X.
Authorities are treating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism, with investigations ongoing. While the motive remains under scrutiny, federal records from a 2016 case indicate Jalloh had previously plotted to “murder US military personnel.” At that time, he traveled to North Carolina to purchase an AK-47, but the seller declined the deal. He later acquired an AR-15 from a local gun store and was arrested shortly after.
During his 2016 trial, Jalloh attempted to fund individuals planning to join ISIS, according to federal prosecutors. He pleaded guilty to providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist group and received an 11-year prison sentence, along with five years of supervised release. Bureau of Prison records confirm his release in 2024, as federal law requires serving at least 85% of a sentence.
Previous Actions and Legal Proceedings
In his earlier case, Jalloh sent gift card codes to an undercover FBI agent, believing the agent to be an ISIS operative, as noted in a 2017 sentencing memo. Prosecutors had sought a 20-year term, but Jalloh’s defense highlighted his “gullibility, impressionability, and lack of sophistication” during the trial. At the time of sentencing, he told the judge, “This entire crime is not who I am, it’s not who I plan to be, and it’s not who I have been.”
Norfolk police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have been assisting in the investigation. Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed concern, stating on X, “My Administration remains in close contact with local emergency responders as state support is being mobilized to assist ODU and Norfolk.”
Norfolk Public Schools reported that students from most high schools in the district were visiting the university for a tour when the shooting happened. A spokesperson assured that all students and staff were safe following the incident. University President Brian O. Hemphill praised the quick response by law enforcement, emphasizing that campus safety is a central focus. “We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times,” he said, adding that the university will remain closed Friday.
