FBI Investigates Old Dominion University Shooting as Terrorism After Former ISIS Convict Kills Instructor

The FBI has opened a terrorism investigation following a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday, after a gunman with a prior ISIS-related conviction killed a retired Army officer and wounded two others before being killed by students inside a campus classroom.

The suspect, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, a former Virginia National Guard specialist, entered Constant Hall — part of the university's College of Business — and opened fire after confirming the class was an ROTC session. The instructor, identified by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a retired Army officer, was fatally wounded. Jalloh was subsequently overpowered by students inside the classroom and killed with a knife, according to law enforcement officials. FBI Director Kash Patel credited those students with preventing further casualties.

Jalloh had previously pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to ISIS and was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison in 2017. He was released early in December 2024. Authorities confirmed he shouted "Allahu Akbar" before opening fire and had been a prior subject of an FBI counterterrorism investigation. Investigators found no connection to ongoing Middle East conflicts as a motivating factor. Two victims were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where one later died and another remained in critical condition. A third victim was treated and released. Old Dominion University announced it would remain closed the following day.