A gunman with a past conviction tied to ISIS opened fire during a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) class at Old Dominion University on Thursday, killing the program’s leader and injuring two other Army service members before students intervened to stop the attack.
Authorities identified the victim as Brandon Shah, an Army lieutenant colonel, Iraq War veteran, and chair of the university’s ROTC department. Police say Shah was shot and killed during the assault, which unfolded inside a classroom where cadets were gathered for instruction.
Two additional Army service members were wounded before students confronted the attacker.
According to investigators, several ROTC cadets acted quickly to subdue the gunman. During the struggle, one student stabbed the attacker. Police said the suspect ultimately died during the confrontation, though officials have not yet confirmed whether the stabbing was the cause of death.
Authorities identified the suspect as Mohamed Jalloh, a former soldier in the Virginia Army National Guard who had previously been convicted in 2016 of providing material support to Islamic State of Iraq and Syria after attempting to carry out a terrorist attack.
During his trial, Jalloh later denounced the extremist group in a letter to the judge. He wrote that he had been “driven by my emotions rather than my intellect,” adding that he regretted “becoming involved with such an evil organization.”
A judge sentenced him to 11 years in federal prison. However, records indicate he was released in 2024. Officials have not yet explained why his sentence ended early.
Investigators said Jalloh reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar,” an Arabic phrase meaning “God is greatest,” before opening fire during the attack.
Military records show Jalloh served as a combat engineer in the Virginia National Guard from 2009 to 2015 and received an honorable discharge.
The shooting has raised serious questions about how a previously convicted ISIS supporter was able to return to civilian life and ultimately access a university campus.
Law enforcement officials said the incident is now being investigated as a potential act of terrorism. Federal and local authorities are working together to determine whether Jalloh had any accomplices, what motivated the attack, and how he obtained the weapon used in the shooting.
University officials have not released further details about the injured service members but said support services are being offered to students and staff following the deadly incident.
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