A shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, United States left one person dead and two others injured on Thursday morning. Authorities say the suspect was Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former member of the Virginia National Guard.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism.
Shooting Inside a Classroom
According to officials, the shooting happened inside Constant Hall, an academic building at the university. The attack took place around 10:43 a.m. when the gunman entered a classroom and opened fire.
Three people in the room were shot during the incident. One of them later died from injuries in the hospital. The other two people were injured but survived.
University police responded quickly after receiving reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they found the suspect already dead.
Students Helped Stop the Gunman
Officials said a group of students inside the classroom stepped in and stopped the attacker.
Kash Patel, director of the FBI, said the students showed courage and helped prevent more people from being harmed.
Authorities said the students restrained the shooter before police secured the scene. Their quick action likely saved lives.
Suspect Had Previous ISIS Case
Investigators said Jalloh had a past criminal case linked to the extremist group Islamic State (ISIS).
Court records show that in 2016 he communicated online with a person connected to the group. That contact later introduced him to someone in the United States who turned out to be an FBI informant.
Because of this, Jalloh was arrested and later pleaded guilty to attempting to support the extremist group.
Released From Prison in 2024
Jalloh was sentenced in 2017 to 11 years in prison. However, he served nearly seven years and was released from federal prison in December 2024.
Officials say his previous conviction is an important part of the current investigation.
FBI Investigating Possible Terrorism
Because of the suspect’s background and past links to extremist activity, the FBI is treating the shooting as a possible act of terrorism.
Investigators are now looking into his activities after he left prison and trying to understand what led to the attack.
The investigation is still ongoing as authorities collect more information and speak with witnesses.
Clyde Evans is the lead editor for White Pine Tribune. Clyde has been working as a freelance journalist for nearly a decade having published stories in many print and digital publications including, the Financial Post and the Huff Post Canada. Clyde is based in Toronto and covers issues affecting his city and province. When he’s not busy writing, Trevor enjoys canoeing.
