NORFOLK, Va. — The FBI is investigating a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University that left one victim dead and two others injured as an act of terrorism.
The suspected gunman has been identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a 36-year-old former Virginia National Guardsman who pleaded guilty in October 2016 to attempting to provide material support to ISIS, then referred to as ISIL.
ROTC Instructor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was killed in the attack. Jalloh is also deceased.
FBI leads terrorism investigation
Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the Norfolk FBI field office, confirmed the FBI is now the lead investigative agency and is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism.
Evans said that prior to the attack, Jalloh shouted "Allahu Akbar" and that he had previously been the subject of an FBI investigation related to material support for a terrorist organization.
"The FBI mourns the loss of life and this abhorrent tragedy and violence," Evans said. "I'd like to acknowledge extreme bravery encouraged by containing the shooter and stopping further loss of life."
Evans said Jalloh was sentenced to prison in October 2017 and was released in 2024. Evans also said Jalloh wanted to conduct a terrorist attack similar to the one at Fort Hood, Texas.
The ROTC students in the room subdued Jalloh and rendered him "no longer alive," Evans said.
Evans said Jalloh had one weapon and that there is no information about any explosives in his car or anywhere else at this time.
The FBI and Norfolk Joint Terrorism Task Force and Evidence Response Team responded to the scene and will continue to have a physical presence there as evidence is processed. Evans said the FBI is also conducting additional investigative steps into Jalloh and the specifics of the shooting, with dedicated analytical and tactical support.
Evans asked the public to submit any tips, no matter how small, to fbi.gov/odushooting.
"We remind the public that any detail, no matter how small, could be useful," Evans said. "A collection of those small details may help paint a complete picture."
ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton said his department and the Norfolk Police Department began receiving 911 calls at approximately 10:43 a.m. reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall, a classroom and academic facility on campus. The first officers arrived within four minutes, at 10:47 a.m.
"By 10:50 a.m., it was determined that the subject that was the active assailant was deceased," Shelton said at a 2 p.m. press conference.
'Brave' students ‘terminated’ ODU shooter, FBI agent says
Three victims, all ODU-affiliated
Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, an instructor, was identified as the deceased victim.
Local News
Lt. Col. Brandon Shah identified as instructor killed in ODU shooting
The two victims transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital are members of ODU's Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps program, Lt. Col. Jimmy Delongchamp, public information officer for the U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky, confirmed to The Associated Press.
"We will continue to coordinate with the university and law enforcement agencies as they investigate the incident," Delongchamp said. "There's still a lot more stuff we have to work out."
A Sentara Health spokesperson said both ROTC members arrived at the hospital in critical condition.
It was not immediately clear how the shooter died.
Swift response, investigation underway
Anyone with information can submit tips to the FBI at www.fbi.gov/odushooting.
Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot sought to reassure city residents.
"I do want to say to the City of Norfolk — we've learned nothing here today that makes us think that there's anything to fear beyond what we're dealing with here," Talbot said. "Everything that needs to be handled is going to be handled."
Watch: Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot addresses campus shooting
Talbot praised the speed of the law enforcement response.
"God bless this university, the police officers and first responders and firefighters that were out here within minutes," he said.
Chief Shelton echoed that sentiment, specifically thanking Norfolk Police.
"I want to thank Chief Talbot and his staff who were exceptional along with my officers who were in the building very quick, and this was able to be brought to a resolution," Shelton said.
Campus closed through Friday
Within about an hour of the shooting, ODU declared there was no longer a threat on campus.
The university canceled all classes and suspended campus operations for the remainder of Thursday and through Friday, urging people to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall while emergency officials continued to work the scene. Counseling and food services will remain available.
President: 'A tragic day'
ODU President Brian Hemphill addressed the university community, calling it a defining moment of grief for the institution.
"To say the least, today was a tragic day for the campus of Old Dominion University," Hemphill said. "Our campus and our community have been truly shaken and forever impacted by this senseless act of violence."
Watch: ODU President Brian Hemphill addresses campus shooting
Hemphill extended thanks to law enforcement and emergency responders from ODU, the City of Norfolk and other agencies.
"Your act of bravery as well as your courage are deeply appreciated by all of those that you serve," he said.
He also pledged the university's sustained commitment to the campus community in the weeks and months ahead.
"The safety of our campus community is my top priority," Hemphill said. "We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times."
Governor and FBI Director respond
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she was closely monitoring the situation and that state support was being mobilized to assist ODU and the City of Norfolk, though she did not provide specifics.
"The FBI is now investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism. Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is fully engaged, embedded with local authorities, and providing all resources necessary in the investigation," FBI Director Kash Patel said on X. "In the meantime, please pray for the victims, their families, and the ODU community."
About Old Dominion University
Located in coastal Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a public research university with approximately 24,000 students — 17,500 of them undergraduates. The school offers around 240 degree programs and is nationally recognized for its research spending and doctoral programs. Nearly 30% of its students are military-affiliated. ODU sits near Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval station in the world.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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