ODU Shooting Highlights a Troubling Past: ISIS Ties and Early Release
Federal investigators are treating the Old Dominion University shooting as terrorism, identifying Mohamed Bailor Jalloh—a 36-year-old former Virginia National Guard member with a 2017 terrorism conviction who was released from federal prison in December 2024—as the gunman. He allegedly shouted 'Allahu Akbar' and opened fire during an ROTC event, killing Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and injuring two others; the weapon was purchased illegally. Jalloh had previously expressed admiration for the 2009 Fort Hood attack and sought ISIS support online. He lived in Virginia after his release and attended online classes at ODU; a student subdued him, and he died at the scene. The case raises questions about monitoring and release policies for individuals convicted of terrorism.
- What we know about the Old Dominion University gunman, a veteran and convicted ISIS supporter CNN
- Veteran Army combat pilot mourned after shooting at Old Dominion University The Washington Post
- ROTC students at Old Dominion University killed shooter who left 1 dead, 2 wounded PBS
- Why are flags half-staff in Virginia? WRIC ABC 8News
- Norfolk neighbor builds memorial to honor Lieutenant Colonel Shah shot and killed in ODU attack WTKR
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