In a Classroom Turned Battlefield (Image Credits: Static01.nyt.com)
Norfolk, Virginia – A convicted ISIS supporter stormed an ROTC classroom at Old Dominion University on Thursday, killing an instructor and wounding two others before students ended the threat.[1][2]
In a Classroom Turned Battlefield
The gunman entered a College of Business classroom and confirmed it was an ROTC session before shouting “Allahu Akbar” and opening fire.[2] He struck three people almost immediately, leaving one dead and two injured. The attack unfolded rapidly in Constant Hall, prompting an active threat alert across campus. Police and emergency personnel arrived swiftly, but the immediate danger had already passed thanks to those inside the room.
Officials later confirmed no additional weapons or explosives were found, limiting the assault to a single firearm.[2] Classes remained canceled through Friday as the university provided counseling services to shaken students and staff.
Cadets’ Bravery Halts the Horror
ROTC students confronted the shooter head-on, subduing him within minutes and preventing further casualties. One cadet killed the attacker with a knife, a move FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans described vividly: “The students ‘rendered him no longer alive, I don’t know how else to say it, they basically were able to terminate the threat.'”[1][2]
Evans praised their actions further, stating, “The brave ROTC members in that room subdued him, and if not for them, I’m not sure what else he may have done.”[2] FBI Director Kash Patel echoed this on social media, noting the students’ intervention “undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement.”[2] Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger mobilized state support and thanked the responders.
A Past Marked by Extremism
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, carried a history of radical ties into the attack. The naturalized U.S. citizen from Sierra Leone served honorably in the Virginia National Guard as a combat engineer from 2009 to 2015 but turned toward extremism afterward.[1] In 2016, he pleaded guilty to attempting material support for ISIS, including sending funds to an undercover agent and plotting to buy a rifle for a military-targeted attack inspired by Fort Hood.[3]
Sentenced to 11 years in prison, Jalloh won early release in December 2024 while still on probation. Court records portrayed a man once seen as promising but derailed by “gullibility” and a search for purpose, though prosecutors highlighted his ideological commitment.[1] At sentencing, he expressed remorse, calling his actions “the most devastating mistake” of his life.[1]
- 2009-2015: National Guard service, no deployments.
- 2016: Arrested after ISIS support sting.
- 2017: 11-year sentence handed down.
- 2024: Released early on probation.
- March 12, 2026: Fatal campus shooting.
Honoring Lt. Col. Brandon Shah
The sole fatality was Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah, a decorated Army veteran and devoted ROTC instructor at ODU. Shah, a university alumnus and native Virginian, enlisted in 2003 and served multiple tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Europe.[4] He trained future officers through the program, embodying a life of service.
Governor Spanberger remembered him as someone who “didn’t just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path.”[2] The two wounded, both Army personnel, included one in critical condition and another released after treatment.[2]
Key Takeaways
- FBI classifies the shooting as terrorism due to the gunman’s ISIS history and battle cry.
- ROTC students’ quick action contained the threat, killing the attacker.
- Victim Lt. Col. Shah leaves a legacy of military mentorship.
This incident underscores the persistent vigilance required against homegrown extremism, even from those once integrated into society. As investigations continue, the campus community grapples with loss while celebrating everyday heroes. What do you think about the ROTC students’ response? Tell us in the comments.
