Additional Coverage:
- Old Dominion University shooter identified as Mohamed Jalloh, former National Guard member, ISIS supporter (foxnews.com)
FBI Investigates ODU Shooting as Act of Terrorism, Suspect Identified as Former Soldier with ISIS Ties
NORFOLK, VA – A shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) on Thursday is now being investigated as an act of terrorism by the FBI. The suspected gunman has been identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Sierra Leone and a former Army National Guard soldier with a past conviction for supporting ISIS.
Multiple federal sources confirmed Jalloh’s identity. He had been released from prison approximately 15 months prior to the incident at the Virginia university, where he served time for his involvement in supporting the Islamic State.
According to a spokesperson with the Virginia National Guard, Jalloh served from April 30, 2009, to April 29, 2015. He held the rank of specialist and received an honorable discharge, having served as a combat engineer in the 276th Engineer Battalion, 91st Troop Command.
In 2017, Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, as stated by the Department of Justice. He was released in December 2024.
Jalloh was initially arrested on July 3, 2016. Authorities alleged he attempted to help procure weapons for what he believed to be an ISIS-inspired attack on U.S. soil and separately tried to send money to support ISIS, according to the criminal complaint.
The Justice Department further detailed that Jalloh’s departure from the U.S. military was compelled after he began listening to online lectures by Al-Qaeda cleric Anwar al-Aulaqi. He also reportedly “praised” the July 2015 terrorist attack in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which resulted in the deaths of four U.S.
Marines and a Navy sailor. Jalloh also expressed thoughts of conducting an attack similar to the November 2009 Fort Hood incident, which claimed 13 lives and wounded 32 others.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the shift in the investigation on social media. “Earlier today, an armed individual opened fire at Old Dominion University, leaving one person dead and two others wounded,” Patel stated. “The shooter is now deceased thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him – actions that undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement.”
Patel added, “The FBI is now investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism. Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is fully engaged, embedded with local authorities, and providing all resources necessary in the investigation. In the meantime, please pray for the victims, their families, and the ODU community.”