Mohamed Bailor Jalloh Identified as Suspect in Deadly Shooting at Old Dominion University That Killed Lt. Col. Brandon Shah

Authorities have identified Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, as the suspect in a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where an ROTC instructor was killed and two others were critically injured.

The victim has been identified as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, an Army veteran and instructor in the university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. The incident occurred Thursday inside Constant Hall, where students were attending a class.

Gunman Allegedly Targeted ROTC Class

Investigators say Jalloh entered a classroom and asked whether it was an ROTC class. After receiving confirmation, he allegedly opened fire, shooting Shah multiple times.

According to federal officials, Jalloh reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before the attack. Authorities are now investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed during a press conference that Jalloh had previously been on their radar in connection with terrorism-related activity.

ROTC Students Stopped the Gunman

Officials said ROTC students in the classroom acted quickly during the shooting and were able to stop the attacker before further casualties occurred.

An FBI spokesperson said the students displayed “extreme bravery and courage,” ultimately subduing Jalloh and preventing additional loss of life.

Law enforcement sources indicated that several students confronted the suspect and rendered him “no longer alive,” ending the threat.

Victim Was Decorated Army Veteran

Shah was an alumnus of Old Dominion University and returned in 2022 to help lead the ROTC program.

During his military career, he served as an Army helicopter pilot and flew missions across Iraq, Afghanistan, and Eastern Europe. According to his university biography, he logged more than 1,200 flight hours across multiple aircraft and completed more than 600 combat flight hours.

Shah received numerous honors for his service, including the Air Medal of Valor and multiple Army Commendation Medals.

In a statement, Voorhees University, where Shah had ties as the son-in-law of a trustee, expressed condolences:

“The Voorhees University family is deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that occurred today at Old Dominion University. We extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family of the victim and the entire ODU community.”

Suspect Previously Convicted in ISIS-Related Case

Authorities said Jalloh was a former member of the Virginia National Guard, serving as a combat engineer before being honorably discharged in 2015.

In 2017, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison after being convicted of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Investigators said Jalloh, originally from Sierra Leone, became radicalized after leaving the military. Officials stated he had expressed admiration for extremist figures such as Anwar al-Awlaki, a former leader within Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

Authorities say Jalloh attempted to purchase high-powered firearms after returning from a six-month trip to Africa in 2016 but was arrested shortly afterward.

Investigation Ongoing

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed agents were assisting with the investigation, while Abigail Spanberger, the governor of Virginia, said she was closely monitoring the situation.

Officials said the two additional victims remain in critical condition.

Federal investigators continue to examine Jalloh’s motives and potential extremist connections as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.