A tragic shooting at a Virginia university has left one person dead and several others injured. Authorities say the suspect opened fire inside a classroom before being stopped. Investigators are now examining the incident as a possible act of terrorism due to the suspect’s past criminal history and statements made during the attack.
Suspect Identified in Old Dominion University Shooting
Authorities have identified the suspect in the shooting at Old Dominion University as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36.
The shooting took place on March 12 in Norfolk.
According to university officials and law enforcement, Jalloh opened fire inside a classroom in Constant Hall, killing one person and injuring two others. Officials later confirmed that the suspect also died during the incident.
Police Responded After Classroom Shooting Report
Authorities were first alerted to the shooting at around 10:47 a.m. local time.
Garrett Shelton said officers received reports that people were being shot inside a classroom at Constant Hall.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and secured the area.
Officials confirmed that three victims were injured in the attack.
Victims Taken to Local Hospitals
Two victims were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
According to reports:
- One of the victims later died from injuries
- Another victim remains in critical condition
- A third victim drove themselves to Sentara Independence Emergency Center for treatment and was later released
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the person who died.
Students Helped Stop the Suspect
According to officials, several students acted quickly during the attack.
Kash Patel said that during the shooting, Jalloh reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar.”
Officials said a group of students managed to subdue the suspect, helping prevent further injuries.
Law enforcement praised the students for their bravery and quick response during the dangerous situation.
Suspect Previously Convicted in Terrorism Case
Investigators later revealed that Jalloh had a criminal history related to terrorism.
According to the United States Department of Justice, he was arrested in 2016 during an FBI undercover investigation.
Authorities said he had attempted to purchase an AK-47 rifle in Virginia and had expressed interest in carrying out an attack similar to the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood.
That attack killed 13 people and injured 32 others.
In October 2016, Jalloh pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to Islamic State, which was also referred to as ISIL at the time.
Released From Prison in 2024
Court records show that Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison in 2017.
He also received five years of supervised release after completing his sentence.
However, federal records indicate that he was no longer in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons by December 2024.
Authorities are now reviewing the timeline after his release and examining the events leading up to the university shooting.
FBI Investigating as Possible Terrorism
Officials say the shooting is now being investigated as a possible act of terrorism.
Federal and local law enforcement agencies are working together to determine the suspect’s motive and whether he had any assistance or connections to extremist groups.
The investigation remains ongoing.
