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A tragic act of violence shook the campus of Old Dominion University on March 12,
2026, leaving one person dead and two others injured. Authorities later identified
the gunman as Mohamed Jalloh, a man with a prior federal conviction related to
terrorism. The incident, which unfolded inside Constant Hall on the Norfolk
campus, sparked a massive law enforcement response and triggered an
investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to officials, the attack occurred during a classroom session associated
with the university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. Within minutes,
students inside the classroom confronted and subdued the attacker, preventing
what authorities believe could have been a far deadlier incident.
The FBI has since confirmed that the shooting is being investigated as an act of
terrorism. This campus shooting has raised urgent questions about campus
security, early release policies for federal inmates, radicalization threats, and the
resilience of university communities in the face of violent extremism.
This article provides a comprehensive look at the events surrounding the shooting,
the background of the suspect, the heroic actions of students, and the broader
implications for campus safety across the United States.
Timeline of the Old Dominion University Shooting
First Reports of an Active Shooter
Shortly before 11 a.m. local time on Thursday morning, emergency calls flooded the
Norfolk emergency response system reporting gunfire at Constant Hall, one of the
main academic buildings on the Old Dominion campus.
At approximately 10:50 a.m., an emergency alert was sent to students and staff:
“Active threat reported at Constant Hall. Follow Run-Hide-Fight protocols.
Emergency personnel responding. Avoid area.”
This message initiated an immediate campus lockdown as students and faculty
rushed to secure classrooms, hide in offices, or evacuate nearby buildings.
University police and local law enforcement responded within minutes.
Attack Inside the Classroom
According to investigators, the shooter entered a classroom and reportedly asked
whether the class was associated with the ROTC program.
When someone confirmed that it was, he opened fire.
The primary victim, later identified as Brandon Shah, was shot multiple times. Shah
served as a professor of military science and chair of the department at Old
Dominion University.
Two ROTC students were also shot during the attack.
Authorities say the attack could have escalated further if not for the immediate
response of students inside the room.
Heroic Students Stopped the Shooter
In a remarkable act of courage, several ROTC students confronted the gunman
during the attack.
According to the FBI, the students physically subdued the attacker, preventing
additional victims.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised their actions, stating that their bravery likely saved
many lives.
“They stepped in and subdued him — actions that undoubtedly saved lives.”
Officials later confirmed the attacker was not shot by police. Instead, the students
managed to overpower him and neutralize the threat before officers arrived.
Law enforcement later described the attacker as having been “rendered no longer
alive” after being subdued.
Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans stated that the ROTC cadets’ actions
prevented further casualties.
“If not for them, we are not sure what else he may have done,” Evans said.
Victims of the Attack
Fatality
The individual killed during the shooting was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a respected
member of the university community.
Shah had an extensive military career and had served in overseas deployments
including operations connected to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
According to the university website, Shah was a Virginia native and had dedicated
his career to mentoring future military leaders through the ROTC program.
The loss deeply affected the academic and military communities connected to the
university.
Injured Victims
Two ROTC students were seriously injured in the attack.
Both were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in critical condition
shortly after the shooting.
One victim later stabilized while another received emergency treatment.
A third individual transported himself to a hospital in Virginia Beach and was later
released after receiving treatment.
The Suspect: Mohamed Jalloh
Authorities identified the shooter as Mohamed Jalloh, a former member of the
Army National Guard.
Jalloh had previously been convicted in 2017 for attempting to provide material
support to ISIS.
According to federal court records, Jalloh had communicated with individuals he
believed were members of ISIS overseas. During the investigation, he was also in
contact with an undercover FBI informant posing as a member of the terrorist
organization.
The investigation revealed that he had discussed assisting with a potential attack
in the United States.
He was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison.
However, Jalloh was released in December 2024, earlier than the full term of his
sentence, which is not uncommon in the federal prison system.
FBI Terrorism Investigation
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force immediately joined the investigation after the
shooting.
Officials confirmed that the attack is being treated as an act of terrorism.
During the press briefing, Dominique Evans stated that witnesses reported hearing
the suspect shout “Allahu Akbar” before the shooting began.
Authorities are now investigating whether the attack was inspired by extremist
ideology or whether the suspect had connections to other individuals.
Investigators are also reviewing digital evidence, communications records, and
travel history.
The FBI’s Evidence Response Team is processing the crime scene and examining the
weapon used in the attack.
So far, officials have confirmed only one firearm was involved and there is no
evidence of explosives.
Campus Lockdown and Emergency Response
The shooting triggered an immediate emergency response across the campus.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, including:
Old Dominion University Police
Norfolk Police Department
Virginia State Police
FBI counterterrorism teams
Nearby roads were closed while authorities secured the area around Constant Hall.
Students and staff across campus were instructed to shelter in place.
Impact on Local Schools
Several nearby schools also initiated emergency security measures.
These included:
Larchmont Elementary School
James Monroe Elementary School
W.H. Taylor Elementary School
Officials placed these schools on “secure hold” as a precaution while police
managed the situation.
Additionally, students from nearly every Norfolk high school were visiting the
university campus for a SOAR college tour when the shooting occurred.
Fortunately, all visiting students were sheltered safely and accounted for.
University Response
The president of Old Dominion University, Brian Hemphill, released a statement
shortly after the tragedy.
He thanked first responders and confirmed that classes and operations were
canceled for the remainder of the day.
He also emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting students, faculty,
and staff during the crisis.
Counseling services were immediately made available across campus, including:
in-person counseling centers
peer support services
emergency mental health resources
Government Response
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said she was closely monitoring the situation
and coordinating with state law enforcement.
She thanked emergency responders and extended condolences to the victims and
their families.
State officials worked alongside federal authorities as part of the ongoing
investigation.
Community Reaction
The shooting sent shockwaves through the Norfolk community and beyond.
Students expressed grief and shock as news spread across campus.
Many gathered later in the evening for vigils and memorials honoring Lt. Col.
Brandon Shah.
Messages of support also poured in from universities across the country,
particularly institutions with ROTC programs.
The Role of ROTC on Campus
The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps plays a vital role in developing future military
leaders within universities across the United States.
ROTC cadets undergo leadership training while completing their college degrees.
At Old Dominion University, the program has historically maintained strong ties
with the U.S. Army.
The fact that ROTC students confronted the attacker demonstrated the discipline
and leadership training instilled within the program.
Questions About Early Prison Release
One of the most controversial aspects of the case involves the early release of
Mohamed Jalloh.
Prosecutors originally recommended a longer sentence.
However, federal sentencing guidelines and prison policies sometimes allow
inmates to be released earlier due to factors such as:
good behavior
sentencing credits
prison overcrowding considerations
The incident is likely to reignite debates about how individuals convicted of
terrorism-related offenses are monitored after release.
Campus Security and Active Shooter Preparedness
Universities across the United States have implemented extensive security
protocols in recent years due to increasing concerns about campus violence.
These protocols include:
emergency alert systems
lockdown procedures
Run-Hide-Fight training
increased campus police presence
The quick response of students and authorities in this case highlights the
importance of preparedness and training.
Psychological Impact on Students
Events like this can have long-term psychological effects on students, faculty, and
staff.
Universities typically offer crisis counseling services to help individuals process
trauma and grief.
At Old Dominion University, mental health professionals were immediately
deployed to support those affected by the tragedy.
Support resources included:
crisis counseling centers
peer support networks
virtual therapy platforms
National Discussion on Domestic Terrorism
The incident also contributes to a broader national conversation about domestic
terrorism and extremist radicalization.
Law enforcement agencies increasingly monitor online spaces where extremist
propaganda spreads.
Cases involving individuals previously convicted of supporting extremist groups
raise concerns about monitoring and reintegration after incarceration.
The Investigation Continues
The FBI continues to examine several aspects of the case, including:
the suspect’s communications
possible accomplices
digital evidence
travel history
weapon acquisition
Authorities are working to determine whether the attack was planned alone or
influenced by external actors.
Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from campus buildings.
Campus Reopening Plans
Old Dominion University announced that classes would remain canceled the
following day as well.
University officials are working with law enforcement to ensure the campus is
secure before resuming normal operations.
Students and faculty are expected to receive updates through the university’s
emergency notification system.
Honoring the Victims
As the investigation continues, the university community is focused on honoring
the life and service of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah.
Memorial events and tributes are expected to be held in the coming days.
His legacy as a mentor, educator, and military officer has left a lasting impact on
students and colleagues.
The shooting at Old Dominion University stands as a tragic reminder of the
dangers posed by extremist violence and the vulnerability of public spaces.
Yet within this tragedy, acts of courage also emerged.
The bravery of ROTC students who confronted the attacker prevented what could
have been a far greater loss of life.
As investigators continue their work, the focus remains on supporting victims,
strengthening campus safety, and understanding the factors that led to the attack.
Communities across the country are once again reminded of the importance of
vigilance, resilience, and unity in the face of violence.
