Terror Strikes in Constant Hall (Image Credits: Pexels)
Norfolk, Virginia – Reserve Officer Training Corps students at Old Dominion University subdued and killed a gunman who fatally shot their instructor and wounded two classmates during a routine session on Thursday morning.[1][2]
Terror Strikes in Constant Hall
Just before 10:50 a.m., Mohamed Bailor Jalloh entered a classroom in Constant Hall on the university’s campus. He asked those inside if it was an ROTC class. Upon confirmation, the 36-year-old pulled a handgun, shouted “Allahu Akbar,” and opened fire.[3]
The assault claimed the life of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, the professor of military science who led the ROTC program. Shah, a combat veteran and Apache helicopter pilot with service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Eastern Europe, succumbed to his injuries at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Two other ROTC members suffered gunshot wounds; one remained in critical condition while the other received treatment and was released.[2][4] The cadets acted swiftly, confronting the attacker and ending the threat before police arrived.
Honoring the Fallen Leader and Courageous Cadets
Lt. Col. Shah earned two Bronze Stars and two Meritorious Service Medals during his career. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger described him as a devoted instructor who not only served his country but inspired others to do the same. “Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was killed today in his classroom at Old Dominion University. A devoted ROTC instructor, Lt. Col. Shah didn’t just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path,” she stated.[5]
FBI Norfolk Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans praised the students’ response. “The brave ROTC members in that room subdued him, and if not for them, I’m not sure what else he may have done,” Evans said. She added that the cadets “basically were able to terminate the threat.”[1] Their training proved decisive in a moment of crisis.
Jalloh’s Path to Violence
The gunman, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Sierra Leone, once served honorably in the Virginia Army National Guard as a combat engineer specialist from 2009 to 2015. Federal records showed he pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to ISIS. Prosecutors detailed his efforts to donate money to the group and acquire weapons during an FBI sting operation.[4]
Jalloh received an 11-year sentence in 2017 but gained early release in December 2024 under supervised terms until 2029. Authorities found no explosives or additional arms in his possession. His sister expressed shock, stating she knew nothing of his plans.[4]
- Quit National Guard after radical influences.
- Aspired to mimic 2009 Fort Hood attack.
- Attempted $500 donation to ISIS via undercover agents.
- Purchased rifle deemed inoperable by authorities.
Terrorism Probe Underway
Federal investigators classified the incident as an act of terrorism. FBI Director Kash Patel noted on social media that the shooter met his end due to the cadets’ intervention. “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,” Patel wrote.[5]
Norfolk police responded within minutes, declaring the scene secure. The university canceled classes Friday to provide counseling and support. Old Dominion, home to about 24,000 students near Naval Station Norfolk, saw a swift lockdown followed by evacuations.[3] Questions persist about Jalloh’s motives and post-release monitoring.
Key Takeaways
- ROTC training enabled cadets to neutralize the threat rapidly.
- Suspect’s prior ISIS ties prompted terrorism classification.
- Quick cadet action likely prevented greater casualties.
The rapid response by these young leaders turned potential tragedy into a testament to preparedness. As the community mourns Lt. Col. Shah, their story underscores the value of courage under fire. What are your thoughts on this heroic stand? Share in the comments.
