Mohamed Bailor Jalloh Killed After Injuring Two at Old Dominion University

A deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, left one person dead and two others injured after a former Virginia National Guard member opened fire inside a classroom. The suspect, identified by federal authorities as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was killed during the confrontation after students intervened to stop the attack. Federal investigators are treating the incident as a possible act of terrorism due to the suspect’s previous conviction related to attempting to support the Islamic State group and statements he reportedly made during the attack.

The shooting occurred inside Constant Hall, the university’s business school building, where members of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps were gathered for a class session. The attack triggered an immediate law enforcement response and prompted a federal investigation involving the FBI and university police. Officials later confirmed that the suspect had been previously convicted in a terrorism-related case and had only recently been released from prison. Authorities said the rapid actions of students inside the classroom played a critical role in stopping the gunman before the situation could escalate further.

Classroom Shooting Unfolds Inside Constant Hall

The incident began when Mohamed Bailor Jalloh entered a classroom inside Constant Hall at Old Dominion University on Thursday. According to investigators, the suspect asked those inside the room whether it was an ROTC class. When someone responded that it was, he allegedly opened fire on the people inside. The classroom was hosting members of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, a program that allows university students to pursue college education while receiving military leadership training.

Law enforcement sources said the sudden attack created panic inside the classroom as the suspect fired multiple shots. Three individuals were struck by gunfire during the incident. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene after university police received reports of an active shooter inside the building. When officers reached the classroom, they discovered that the suspect was already dead. Authorities later explained that several students inside the room had managed to confront and subdue the attacker.

Federal officials described their actions as decisive and life-saving, suggesting the quick response from those present likely prevented additional casualties. Officials confirmed that the suspect was not shot by the students who subdued him, though further details about exactly how he died were not immediately released. Investigators indicated that the confrontation occurred within the classroom shortly after the shooting began. Emergency medical teams transported the injured victims to nearby hospitals.

One of the individuals who had been shot later died from their injuries. Authorities have not released extensive details about the victims but confirmed that two of those injured were Army personnel connected to the ROTC program. The fatal victim was reported by news outlets to be the class instructor, a retired military officer who had been leading the session when the attack occurred.

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The deaths and injuries sent shockwaves through the university community, particularly among ROTC members and military-connected students. University officials quickly secured the campus while law enforcement cleared buildings and ensured there was no ongoing threat. Students and staff were advised to avoid the area while police conducted their initial investigation.

Students Confront the Gunman and Stop the Attack

Investigators and federal officials emphasized that the actions of students inside the classroom were instrumental in stopping the attack. According to the FBI, several ROTC students confronted Mohamed Bailor Jalloh after he opened fire and managed to overpower him during the struggle. FBI officials said the students “subdued him and rendered him no longer alive,” describing their actions as courageous and decisive. Authorities did not provide precise details about how the suspect died during the confrontation but confirmed he was not shot by the individuals who stopped him.

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The students involved were part of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, a program that emphasizes discipline, leadership training, and military preparedness. Their background in military instruction likely contributed to their ability to react quickly and coordinate during the chaotic situation. Federal authorities said the confrontation happened within minutes of the initial gunfire, before police officers arrived on the scene. Officials believe that the rapid intervention prevented the suspect from continuing the attack and potentially harming more people in the room.

Law enforcement leaders praised the students during a press conference following the incident. FBI officials stated that their actions likely saved numerous lives by preventing the attacker from carrying out further violence. When police officers entered the classroom, they found that the threat had already been neutralized. The quick response by the students, combined with the arrival of law enforcement, brought the situation under control relatively quickly.

Emergency responders then focused on assisting the injured victims and securing the building. Authorities evacuated nearby areas of campus as investigators began collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses who had been inside the classroom. The bravery of the students became a central focus of official statements following the incident. Federal officials and military representatives acknowledged the courage shown by those who stepped forward to confront the attacker despite the immediate danger.

Suspect’s Past Extremism and Terror Investigation

Federal authorities revealed that Mohamed Bailor Jalloh had previously been convicted in a terrorism-related case years before the university shooting. According to the FBI, Jalloh had been arrested in 2016 after attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group. Investigators said that during the earlier case, Jalloh had expressed interest in carrying out a violent attack similar to the 2009 mass shooting at a military base in Fort Hood, Texas. That attack, carried out by an Army psychiatrist, killed 13 people and remains one of the deadliest acts of violence on a U.S. military installation.

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Jalloh eventually pleaded guilty in the federal case and was sentenced in 2017. Authorities said he served his prison term and was released in 2024. His movements and activities after his release are now part of the ongoing investigation into the Old Dominion University shooting. Officials said the current attack is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism because of Jalloh’s previous extremist conviction and statements he reportedly shouted during the incident. According to investigators, he allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire.

Authorities clarified that the Arabic phrase translates to “God is greater” and is commonly used in everyday religious contexts by Muslims worldwide. However, investigators said it was relevant to the case because of the suspect’s past involvement in extremist activity. Federal officials emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and that they are working to determine whether Jalloh acted alone or had any outside connections or influences. At this stage, authorities said there is no indication that the shooting was linked to any broader coordinated attack.

Investigators are also examining the suspect’s recent communications, travel history, and digital activity in order to understand his motivations leading up to the incident. Officials noted that the attack occurred just hours before another unrelated security incident in Michigan, where a vehicle rammed into a synagogue and school building. In that case, children and staff were safely evacuated and only one security guard was injured.

Law enforcement agencies stressed that the two incidents do not appear to be connected but acknowledged that both events are under investigation by authorities in their respective jurisdictions. At Old Dominion University, investigators continue to review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and examine evidence collected from the scene. Federal agents and university police are coordinating closely to piece together a full timeline of the events leading up to the shooting.

University officials have also begun providing counseling and support services for students and staff affected by the incident. The shooting has deeply impacted the campus community, particularly members of the ROTC program who were directly involved in stopping the attacker. The investigation remains active as authorities work to understand the circumstances that led Mohamed Bailor Jalloh to carry out the attack and how he gained access to the classroom where the shooting occurred. Federal officials said they will release additional information as the investigation progresses.