A classroom shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday claimed the life of Army Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and injured two others. The incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism.
The gunman, identified by the FBI as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, a West African Muslim and naturalized U.S. citizen from Sierra Leone, as well as a former Army National Guard member, was also killed after being subdued by ROTC students. FBI special agent Dominique Evans praised the students’ actions, noting their “extreme bravery and courage” in preventing further casualties.
The shooting occurred shortly before 11 a.m. in Constant Hall, where Jalloh reportedly asked whether the class was an ROTC session before opening fire. One of the injured victims remains in critical condition, while the other was treated and released.
Shah, a professor of military science and ROTC Department Chair, served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded two bronze stars. University officials highlighted his efforts in increasing ROTC enrollment by nearly 50 percent last year. Governor Abigail Spanberger described him as a devoted teacher who “didn’t just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path.”
In 2016, Jalloh pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State and was sentenced to 11 years in prison, followed by a period of supervised release. He was released in December 2024. Court documents show that he had attempted to purchase assault rifles, provide funds for terrorist activities, and told an undercover FBI agent that he had considered carrying out attacks similar to the 2009 Fort Hood shootings.
The university issued an alert to students and faculty at 10:48 a.m. and later confirmed the shooter had been neutralized. Classes at Old Dominion are canceled Friday to allow the campus community time to process the event.
