Background of the Incident
On March 12, 2026, Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, experienced a tragic shooting incident that shocked the campus community. Prior to this event, the university had maintained a reputation for safety, with students and faculty engaged in their academic pursuits without major disruptions.
The Shooting
During a class in Constant Hall, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh opened fire, killing ROTC Professor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and wounding two others. Jalloh, who was 36 years old and on supervised release after serving 11 years for attempting to aid ISIS, had previously raised concerns due to his criminal background. This decisive moment shifted the atmosphere on campus from one of normalcy to chaos.
Immediate Aftermath
In the immediate aftermath, students displayed remarkable bravery by subduing and killing Jalloh within 10 minutes of the first call to police. The FBI is investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism, especially after reports indicated that Jalloh yelled ‘Allahu Akbar’ before the shooting began. Classes and operations at Old Dominion University were suspended for the remainder of the day, and the campus was closed for additional support and counseling on March 13, 2026.
Reactions and Perspectives
Brian O. Hemphill, President of ODU, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “There are no words for a moment like this.” Meanwhile, local officials voiced their concerns regarding gun violence and public safety. Jen Kiggans, a representative, expressed her anger that a known terrorist had been living freely in the area, while Ramin Fatehi, the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney, highlighted the need for political action against gun violence.
This incident is not isolated; Virginia has a history of college campus shootings, including the tragic Virginia Tech massacre in 2007. Such events have prompted ongoing discussions about campus safety and gun control measures.
Uncertainties
Details remain unconfirmed regarding why Jalloh’s release from prison was moved up and the exact cause of his death. As investigations continue, the university community and the broader public await further information.
