Gunman in fatal Old Dominion University shooting ID’d as convicted ISIS supporter, officials say
Convicted ISIS Supporter Identified as Shooter in Old Dominion University Tragedy
Authorities have confirmed the identity of the individual who unleashed gunfire at Old Dominion University on Thursday morning, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. The suspect, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, of Sterling, Virginia, was previously found guilty of offering material aid to the Islamic State, or ISIS, according to senior law enforcement sources. The attack concluded with the shooter’s death, as stated by officials. FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted on X that students who intervened to restrain the attacker likely prevented additional casualties, adding that the incident will be classified as a terrorist act.
Shooter’s Background and Previous Conviction
Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member, allegedly targeted an ROTC class during the attack. While motives remain under investigation, federal records from 2016 indicate he had plotted to “murder US military personnel.” In that case, he traveled to North Carolina to acquire an AK-47 but was denied, then purchased an AR-15 on July 2, 2016, and was arrested the following day. His efforts to fund recruits for ISIS led to a guilty plea in 2017, where he received an 11-year prison term and five years of supervised release.
“This entire crime is not who I am, it’s not who I plan to be, and it’s not who I have been.”
According to a government sentencing memo, Jalloh sent gift card codes intended for ISIS to an undercover FBI agent, believing the recipient to be affiliated with the group. The prosecution had sought a 20-year sentence, but his defense emphasized his “gullibility, impressionability, lack of sophistication, and passivity.” Records show Jalloh was released from prison in 2024, as federal law mandates serving at least 85% of a sentence, even with good behavior credits.
University Response and Ongoing Measures
Old Dominion University issued an emergency alert at 10:48 a.m. about an active threat, followed by a statement at 11:30 a.m. describing the situation as an “active shooter” event with the perpetrator “neutralized.” The school confirmed no further danger on campus but urged people to avoid the area. Classes were suspended for the remainder of the day, and the university announced it would remain closed on Friday.
Local police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Washington field division were involved in the response. Governor Abigail Spanberger stated she was closely tracking the situation, having engaged with university leaders and mobilizing state resources to assist Norfolk. Meanwhile, Norfolk Public Schools noted that nearly all high school students from the district were on ODU’s campus during the shooting for a tour. A spokesperson assured WAVY that all students and staff were safe following the incident.
University President Brian O. Hemphill praised the rapid action by law enforcement and reiterated the institution’s commitment to maintaining campus safety. “We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times,” he said, emphasizing the university’s ongoing vigilance.
