By The Old Dominion University shooting sent shockwaves across the country on March 12, 2026. One person was killed, two others were injured, and the gunman is dead — but the story goes far deeper than a campus attack. The FBI is now investigating the Old Dominion University shooting as an act of terrorism, revealing the suspect had a prior ISIS conviction.
What Happened During the Old Dominion University Shooting?
Around 10:43 a.m., a gunman opened fire inside Constant Hall — ODU’s main College of Business building — in Norfolk, Virginia. CNN
The shooter walked into a class and asked if it was an ROTC class. When someone confirmed it was, he opened fire, fatally injuring the class instructor — a retired Army officer. CBS News
Key facts at a glance:
- 1 victim killed (the class instructor, a retired Army officer)
- 2 others injured, both transported to Norfolk-area hospitals
- Shooter also dead, neutralized by students and law enforcement
- All clear issued at 12:05 p.m. by ODU officials
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll confirmed on social media that two of the victims were Army personnel. WTKR
Who Was Mohamed Bailor Jalloh?
Law enforcement sources identified the gunman as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a 36-year-old former Army National Guardsman and naturalized U.S. citizen from Sierra Leone. Jalloh pleaded guilty in October 2016 to attempting to provide material support to ISIS. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison and was released early in December 2024. CBS News
A since-deceased ISIS member overseas had brokered an introduction between Jalloh and a confidential FBI informant in March 2016. The ISIS operative believed Jalloh — given his military background — could help carry out an attack on U.S. soil. Newsweek
Court documents also show Jalloh praised the gunman behind the 2015 Chattanooga attack that killed five U.S. military members. Newsweek
At his 2017 sentencing, Jalloh claimed he deeply regretted his actions and called his support for ISIS “the most devastating mistake” of his life. CBS News
FBI Classifies the Old Dominion University Shooting as Terrorism
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the bureau is now investigating the Old Dominion University shooting as an act of terrorism, with the Joint Terrorism Task Force fully engaged and embedded with local authorities. CNN
Patel also credited students with helping stop the attack: “The shooter is now deceased thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him — actions that undoubtedly saved lives.” CNN
Why Was Jalloh Released Early?
This is the question many Americans are asking after the Old Dominion University shooting.
It is not immediately clear why Jalloh was released before completing his full 11-year sentence, though early release is not unusual in the federal prison system. ABC News Federal Bureau of Prisons records show he was released in December 2024. CBS News
His release — and subsequent attack — has sparked calls for a review of how convicted terrorism-related offenders are monitored after serving time.
Campus Response and Student Reactions
ODU issued an all-clear at 12:05 p.m., canceled all classes for the day, and set up a Family Information Center at Chartway Arena. Students, faculty, and staff were offered lunch and counseling support. WTKR
Student Zachary Mulder described hearing people rush in screaming “shooter” and “gun” and said: “My heart dropped. I didn’t really know what was going on. I just know I had to leave immediately.” CNN
Several Norfolk elementary schools also went on secure hold as a precaution, and Norfolk Public Schools noted that students from nearly every Norfolk high school were on the ODU campus for a college tour at the time of the shooting — all were safely accounted for. WTKR
Old Dominion University Shooting vs. Prior Campus Attacks
| Detail | ODU Shooting (2026) | Virginia Tech (2007) |
| Location | Constant Hall, Norfolk, VA | Norris Hall, Blacksburg, VA |
| Casualties | 1 killed, 2 injured | 32 killed, 17 injured |
| Suspect Status | Dead (subdued by students) | Dead (self-inflicted) |
| FBI Investigation | Yes — terrorism | No terrorism link |
| Suspect’s Prior Record | ISIS conviction | No prior record |
5 FAQs About the Old Dominion University Shooting
1. Where did the Old Dominion University shooting take place? It occurred inside Constant Hall, the main College of Business building on ODU’s campus in Norfolk, Virginia.
2. Who was the shooter in the Old Dominion University shooting? Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a 36-year-old former Army National Guardsman previously convicted of providing material support to ISIS.
3. Is the Old Dominion University shooting being investigated as terrorism? Yes. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the FBI is investigating it as an act of terrorism.
4. Why was Mohamed Jalloh free to commit the Old Dominion University shooting? Jalloh was released from federal prison in December 2024, reportedly before completing his full 11-year sentence.
5. How did the Old Dominion University shooting end? Students physically subdued the gunman. Jalloh was found dead when officers arrived. Law enforcement has not confirmed the exact cause of his death.
Conclusion
The Old Dominion University shooting is one of the most alarming campus attacks in recent U.S. history — not just for its violence, but for what it reveals about gaps in how convicted terrorists are monitored after release. A former soldier who once pledged support to ISIS carried out what the FBI now classifies as a terrorist attack on American soil, inside a college classroom.
As investigations continue, the Old Dominion University shooting demands serious answers from federal agencies about early release policies and post-conviction surveillance. TrendingUpdatesToday.com will continue to follow this story as new details emerge.
Sources
- CBS News – ODU Shooting Coverage
- CNN – FBI Terrorism Investigation
- ABC News – Shooting at ODU
- Newsweek – Mohamed Jalloh Profile
- 13 News Now – FBI Statement & ODU Alerts
- U.S. Department of Justice – 2017 Jalloh Sentencing (search: Mohamed Jalloh ISIS sentencing 2017)
- Federal Bureau of Prisons – Inmate Locator
- FBI – Joint Terrorism Task Force