Convicted terrorist behind ODU attack; FBI director praises students who neutralized gunman

A shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday that left an instructor dead and two ROTC students wounded is being investigated by authorities as an act of terrorism.

The gunman shouted “Allahu akbar” and asked whether those in the Virginia classroom were in an ROTC class before he began shooting, PBS reported, citing authorities and court papers.

“The shooter is now deceased thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him – actions that undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement,” FBI Director Kash Patel stated in a post on X.

“The FBI is now investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism,” he stated.

The shooter has been identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, an ex-National Guard soldier. 

According to the New York Post, “a heroic ROTC cadet at the Virginia school jumped into action to prevent more carnage, stabbing Jalloh to death after the crazed suspect gunned down the class instructor.”

The instructor, Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, has been described as heroic and devoted.

Jalloh had been sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty in 2017 to providing support to the Islamic State, the Associated Press reported. He was released early, in December 2024, after completing a drug treatment program, which allows some inmates to reduce their sentences, the AP reported.

The New York Post reported:

A naturalized US citizen from Sierra Leone, Jalloh left the National Guard and became a devoted follower of Anwar al-Awlaki, the slain leader of Al-Qaeda’s branch in the Arabian Peninsula, the DOJ said. 

He connected with members of the ISIL during a six-month stay in Africa. During one meeting on the trip, unknowingly observed by an FBI informant, Jalloh mentioned a desire to launch his own terror attack, the DOJ said.

The two ROTC students injured in the attack are in stable condition, the Post reported.

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