A former Virginia National Guardsman previously convicted in a federal terrorism case has been identified as the gunman behind a deadly shooting Thursday at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
Authorities say Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, opened fire inside Constant Hall, a building that houses the university’s College of Business, during what law enforcement sources say was an ROTC class. One person was killed and two others were wounded before the suspect was stopped.
According to police, the gunman is also dead.
Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton confirmed during a press conference that one victim died and two others were hospitalized, though their injuries were reported to be stable. Officials said all three victims were affiliated with the university.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll later stated that two of the victims were Army personnel, though the identities of those involved have not yet been publicly released.
Mass shooting incident at Old Dominion University (ODU), Northfork, VA. Gunman dead and at least two wounded. The incident took place at 49th St. next to Constant Hall. Heavy police, ATF and EMS presence in the area.#geoposted 36.88763,-76.304792https://t.co/Fkuy7LmcvO pic.twitter.com/Ptu7YiZfpt
— OSGINT (@posted_news) March 12, 2026
ROTC Instructor Reportedly Targeted
According to reporting citing law enforcement sources, Jalloh allegedly entered the classroom and asked if it was an ROTC class before opening fire.
The instructor, described as a retired military officer, was shot and later died from their injuries.
The attack was reportedly halted when an ROTC student intervened, stabbing the gunman and preventing additional casualties. Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed further details about that intervention.
Shooter Previously Convicted in ISIS Support Case
Jalloh’s name had already appeared in federal terrorism investigations nearly a decade earlier.
In 2016, the former National Guardsman was arrested after attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State terrorist organization. Federal investigators said Jalloh met with an undercover FBI agent and attempted to help procure firearms and send money to ISIS.
pic.twitter.com/JSQMJptomu The shooter at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA today is reportedly Mohamed Jalloh, a former Army National Guardsman arrested in 2016 for providing material support to ISIS. Jalloh a naturalized US citizen from Sierra Leone, traveled overseas…
— ZoieZoe (@zoiezoe__) March 12, 2026
He later pleaded guilty in October 2016 and was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Jalloh was released early in December 2024.
Campus Locked Down During Active Shooter Response
The shooting unfolded Thursday morning inside Constant Hall. Students reported hearing screams before alarms sounded and the building was evacuated.
The university later issued an alert stating the shooter had been “neutralized” and that there was no longer an active threat to the campus community.
Classes at Old Dominion University were suspended for the remainder of the day.
Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot said authorities had no indication of a broader threat to the city.
Federal Agencies Respond
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI responded to the scene and are assisting in the investigation.
Officials are also examining how Jalloh, a previously convicted terrorism offender, was able to access weapons and enter a university campus.
The incident occurred just hours before an unrelated attack targeting a synagogue in Michigan, though authorities say there is currently no evidence the events are connected.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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