The victim in the Old Dominion University (ODU) shooting has been identified as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a distinguished Army veteran and alumnus of the university. Tragically, Shah lost his life in a senseless attack carried out by Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a National Guardsman turned ISIS-linked terrorist, who shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the assault.
Jalloh, 36, opened fire inside a classroom at ODU on March 9, killing one and wounding two others before being subdued and fatally dealt with by a group of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) students. The students’ courageous intervention is being credited with preventing further loss of life during the chaotic moments.
Shocking Details of the Attack
Jalloh, who had previously been investigated by the FBI for supporting terrorism, initiated the attack after entering a classroom and confirming that it was an ROTC session. Following a brief exchange, he opened fire on the professor, Lt. Col. Brandon Shah. Authorities revealed that the gunman had expressed intent to carry out a terror attack similar to the tragic Fort Hood shooting.
The gunman had a disturbing history of attempting to assist ISIS and was a former member of the U.S. National Guard. Jalloh had previously been incarcerated for his ties to ISIS, but was released in 2024 after serving a prison sentence. After being apprehended, Jalloh’s actions, including his attempt to purchase firearms for an attack, solidified the investigation into his motivations.
The Heroism of the ROTC Students
The ROTC students, who were in the classroom at the time of the attack, exhibited remarkable bravery in tackling the gunman and ensuring that he could not harm anyone else. FBI spokesperson Dominique Evans praised their actions, stating that their quick thinking and intervention undoubtedly saved lives.
“It was the students’ courage and quick response that kept the situation from escalating further,” Evans said. “I don’t know how else to say it—these students rendered him no longer alive.”
Despite ongoing investigations, authorities have confirmed that the shooter was not killed by police but was incapacitated by the ROTC students. His body was later found by law enforcement.
The Impact on the Victims and the Community
Shah, a decorated Army officer, was rushed to the hospital following the attack but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. He had served as a helicopter pilot in several war zones, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Eastern Europe. His contributions to the military and to his community as a leader in the ROTC program at ODU were highly praised by his colleagues.
The two other victims of the shooting, both ROTC members, remain in stable condition after receiving treatment. One was taken to a trauma center, while the other managed to get to a nearby hospital under their own power.
ODU President Brian Hemphill addressed the tragic incident, offering condolences to the families of the victims. “We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times,” Hemphill said in his statement.
A Community United in Tragedy
The tragic attack has left the ODU community and the broader Norfolk area in shock. The university canceled classes and suspended operations for the remainder of the week as law enforcement worked to secure the campus and assist those affected by the shooting.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed her support for the university, noting that state resources were being mobilized to assist with the investigation and support the community. The FBI’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also deployed agents to help with the response to the shooting.
The death of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah has left a gaping hole in the ODU community, but his legacy as a mentor and leader will be remembered by those whose lives he touched.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The FBI has confirmed that the investigation into the motives behind the shooting is ongoing. Authorities are piecing together Jalloh’s history, including his past affiliations with ISIS and his failed attempts to carry out terrorist attacks.
Shah’s family, along with his colleagues at ODU, are mourning his loss, but they also express gratitude for the actions of the students who prevented further tragedy from unfolding. The bravery displayed by the ROTC students will not soon be forgotten, as their quick response likely saved many more lives.
This attack, now being treated as an act of terrorism, is a stark reminder of the risks faced by communities and the ongoing threat of extremist violence. As the investigation continues, authorities are committed to uncovering every detail and ensuring that justice is served for the victims of this senseless tragedy.
