Old Dominion University Shooting Classified as Potential Terrorist Act by FBI
Federal investigators have classified the fatal shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday as a possible act of terrorism, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. The assailant, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, of Sterling, Virginia, was also killed during the incident. Two senior law enforcement officials confirmed the details to NBC News, revealing Jalloh’s history of attempting to support ISIS. The FBI director highlighted that “a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued” the gunman likely prevented more casualties.
Shooter’s Background and Previous Conviction
Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard, was accused of targeting an ROTC class during the attack. ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton stated that two victims were hospitalized and in stable condition, while a third individual sought medical attention independently. “One of the victims is deceased,” Shelton noted, adding efforts to notify the family. The identities of the injured remain undisclosed.
Incident Timeline and Campus Response
The university issued an emergency alert at 10:48 a.m. about an active threat in Constant Hall. By 11:30 a.m., the incident was described as an “active shooter situation,” with the suspect “neutralized.” Officials confirmed no further danger on campus but urged people to avoid the area. Classes were suspended on the main campus, and the university planned to close Friday.
Previous Criminal Case and Motive
Law enforcement details from a 2016 case indicate Jalloh aimed to “murder US military personnel” as part of a plot linked to ISIS. He traveled to North Carolina to purchase an AK-47, which was denied, and later acquired an AR-15 in July 2016. That month, he was arrested after attempting to fund individuals joining the Islamic State. Jalloh pleaded guilty to providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and received an 11-year prison term, along with five years of supervised release.
Federal Sentencing and Release
Bureau of Prison records show Jalloh was released in 2024, having served 85% of his sentence. In a 2017 sentencing memo, prosecutors cited his actions of sending gift card codes to an undercover FBI agent he believed was an ISIS operative. The government had sought a 20-year sentence, but the defense emphasized Jalloh’s “gullibility, impressionability, and passivity” during his plea. At his 2017 hearing, 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.”
Community and Institutional Reactions
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed condolences, stating she was “praying for the victims, their families, and every Virginian touched by this terrifying shooting.” She encouraged people to follow guidance from university and emergency officials. Norfolk Public Schools noted that nearly all high school students from the district were on ODU’s campus for a tour when the shooting occurred. A spokesperson assured that “all students and staff members are secure.” University President Brian O. Hemphill praised the quick response of law enforcement, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to campus safety. “We take this responsibility very seriously and remain vigilant,” he said.
Authorities’ Role and Regional Response
Local Norfolk police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Washington field division were involved in managing the situation. The university’s emergency alerts and subsequent actions, including canceling classes and closing the campus, underscored the immediate impact of the incident. While the motive remains under investigation, the connection to Jalloh’s prior terrorist ties has raised concerns about the event’s classification.
