Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University that left one person dead and two others injured, an incident federal officials say is being treated as a possible act of terrorism.
The suspect, identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, opened fire inside an academic building Thursday morning before being subdued. Investigators say he died during the confrontation.
The victim has been identified as Brandon A. Shah. According to Dan Driscoll, two additional people injured in the attack are also members of the U.S. Army.
Police say the shooting occurred around 10:43 a.m. inside Constant Hall on the university’s Norfolk campus. Garrett Shelton said officers responded quickly and found the suspect dead shortly after arriving.
Federal records show Jalloh previously pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to the extremist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. He had been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release after sending financial assistance to someone he believed was connected to the group. He was released in 2024.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is now leading the investigation, working with local law enforcement to determine the motive and whether the attack was planned in advance.
Abigail Spanberger expressed condolences to the victim’s family and the university community. Meanwhile, Old Dominion officials have made counseling services available to students and staff as the campus processes the tragedy.
Security experts note that incidents like this underscore the ongoing challenges authorities face when monitoring individuals previously convicted in terrorism-related cases while balancing reintegration and public safety concerns.
