NORFOLK, Va. – A deadly shooting at Old Dominion University’s business school building Thursday has been officially designated as an act of terrorism by the FBI, culminating in the death of the assailant at the hands of quick-acting ROTC students. The incident resulted in one fatality and two injuries before the armed suspect was neutralized.
The FBI identified the gunman as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 31, a former Virginia National Guard member with established extremist ties. Special Agent Dominique Evans confirmed Jalloh had previously served prison time after pleading guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group. He was released from federal custody in 2024.
According to law enforcement sources, Jalloh entered a classroom in Constant Hall and specifically inquired whether it was an ROTC class before opening fire. Multiple students from the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program immediately intervened, physically subduing the attacker and ultimately causing his death. FBI officials confirmed Jalloh was not shot but declined to specify the exact manner of his demise, citing the ongoing investigation.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the students’ bravery, stating their actions ‘undoubtedly saved lives’ alongside the rapid response of campus police. The three shooting victims included two Army personnel, with one succumbing to injuries at a local hospital. CBS News identified the deceased victim as the class instructor, a retired military officer.
Agent Evans revealed the terrorism classification stems from Jalloh’s established extremist background and reports that he shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ – Arabic for ‘God is greater’ – prior to the attack. Evidence indicates Jalloh had previously planned an attack mirroring the 2009 Fort Hood shooting that killed 13 people. Authorities confirmed no connection to current geopolitical events involving Iran.
The Virginia incident occurred hours before an unrelated vehicle attack targeting a Michigan synagogue, where one security guard was injured but all children and staff evacuated safely.