Gunman in fatal Old Dominion University shooting ID’d as convicted ISIS supporter, officials say
Convicted ISIS Supporter Identified as Shooter at Old Dominion University
Authorities have revealed the identity of the shooter who attacked Old Dominion University on Thursday, resulting in one fatality and two injuries, as a man with a history of providing material support to ISIS. Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, of Sterling, Virginia, was confirmed as the suspect, according to two senior law enforcement officials who spoke with NBC News. Jalloh was also killed during the incident.
The university issued an emergency alert at 10:48 a.m., warning of an active threat in Constant Hall. By 11:30 a.m., the situation was described as an “active shooter scenario,” with the perpetrator reportedly neutralized. The school reported that the threat had been eliminated but urged individuals to stay away from the area. Classes on the main campus were suspended for the remainder of the day, and the university announced it would remain closed on Friday.
“A group of brave students who stepped in and subdued the gunman most likely saved lives,” stated FBI Director Kash Patel on X, highlighting the quick actions that prevented further casualties.
Officials confirmed that Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard, had targeted an ROTC class during the attack. While the motive remains under investigation, federal records from 2016 indicate he had planned to “murder US military personnel.” At that time, he attempted to purchase an AK-47 in North Carolina but was denied, before acquiring an AR-15 locally on July 2, 2016. He was arrested the following day.
In 2016, Jalloh was charged with trying to provide funds to individuals seeking to join the Islamic State. He pleaded guilty to supporting a designated foreign terrorist organization and received an 11-year prison sentence, along with five years of supervised release. Records show he was released in 2024, having served the required 85% of his term.
During his prior case, Jalloh sent gift card codes intended for ISIS to an undercover FBI agent, whom he believed was an ISIS operative. The government had sought a 20-year sentence, but his defense team emphasized his “gullibility, impressionability, lack of sophistication, and passivity” during the 2017 sentencing hearing. Jalloh told the judge, “This entire crime is not who I am, it’s not who I plan to be, and it’s not who I have been.”
Two injured victims were transported to the hospital and are reported stable, though the third, who sought medical care independently, has not yet been identified. The victims include members of the university’s ROTC program, as noted by WAVY, a local NBC affiliate. The school has assured that all students and staff are safe following the incident.
Norfolk police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Washington field division were involved in the response. Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed her concern, stating, “I have spoken with university leadership. My Administration remains in close contact with local emergency responders as state support is being mobilized to assist ODU and Norfolk.”
