Terrorist Attack at Old Dominion University Leaves One Dead, Two Injured — ROTC Students Stop the Gunman
Norfolk, Virginia — March 12, 2026
A deadly shooting shook Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia on Thursday morning, leaving one person dead and two others hospitalized. The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism.
The gunman entered a classroom at Constant Hall — part of the College of Business — and asked if it was an ROTC class. When someone confirmed that it was, he opened fire, fatally wounding the class instructor, a retired Army officer. Wikipedia
The victim was identified as Army Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah, an ROTC instructor and professor of military science. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger described him as a devoted teacher who "didn't just lead a life of service to our country — he taught and led others to follow that path." Shah was commended in 2023 for increasing ROTC enrollment by nearly 50%. House Oversight Committee
The shooter was identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Virginia National Guard member who had previously served prison time for attempting to aid the Islamist militant group ISIS. Before opening fire, he shouted "Allahu Akbar," according to FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans. House Oversight Committee
When Jalloh opened fire, the ROTC students in the room barely hesitated before leaping up to subdue him. One student stabbed Jalloh, and he was declared dead within minutes. Evans credited them with preventing further loss of life, saying, "Brave ROTC members in that room subdued him, and if not for them, I'm not sure what else he may have done." House Oversight Committee
Police received the first 911 calls at 10:43 a.m., officers entered Constant Hall at 10:47 a.m., and Jalloh was confirmed dead by 10:50 a.m. An all-clear was issued just after noon. CNN
ODU announced the university would be closed on Friday, March 13, with counseling services available for students, faculty, and staff on campus. Department of Justice
The university, home to approximately 24,000 students, remains in mourning. The FBI's investigation into the attack is ongoing.