NORFOLK, Virginia — The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a terrorism investigation after a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, left one person dead and two others injured on Thursday. Authorities said the gunman was later killed after opening fire inside a classroom at the university’s College of Business.
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According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the agency’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is working with local authorities to determine the motive behind the attack and whether the suspect had any accomplices. The suspected shooter was identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former member of the Virginia National Guard who had previously been convicted in 2016 for attempting to provide support to the Islamic State group.
Police said the gunman opened fire shortly before 10:49 a.m. inside Constant Hall, a building that houses classrooms for the university’s business school. The shooting killed Brandon Shah, an ROTC instructor and U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, while two other ROTC members were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
Officials said the suspect was subdued and killed by ROTC students who intervened during the attack, preventing further casualties. Authorities praised the students’ quick response, saying their actions likely saved lives.
Following the incident, the university issued an emergency alert advising students and staff to avoid the area as law enforcement secured the scene. Campus classes and operations were suspended for the remainder of the day while investigators examined the site.
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Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said state authorities were coordinating with university officials and federal agencies to provide support to the victims and the campus community. Meanwhile, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll expressed condolences and said the military was monitoring the situation closely.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and whether the attacker acted alone.