On March 12, 2026, Old Dominion University was transformed from a place of learning into a scene of horror. Gunfire erupted at Constant Hall, claiming the lives of two individuals: 36-year-old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh and Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a beloved ROTC instructor. What was initially an ordinary day quickly descended into chaos.
Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member, stormed into an ROTC classroom, shouting the phrase “Allahu Akbar.” His intentions became clear when he opened fire, resulting in the tragic death of Lt. Col. Shah. Two students were injured but fortunately remain in stable condition. This attack not only claimed lives but shattered the sense of safety at the university.
The ROTC cadets in the classroom displayed remarkable bravery in the face of danger. One cadet led the charge against Jalloh, helping to neutralize the threat. Special Agent Dominique Evans of the Norfolk FBI Field Office highlighted their swift actions, stating, “They basically were able to terminate the threat.” This response illustrates the training and courage instilled in these students, which likely saved additional lives.
Motivations behind Jalloh’s attack appear to be rooted in extremist ideology. By coordinating his attack during Ramadan, he may have been seeking a twisted alignment with previous terrorist acts. His history of ISIS-related offenses raises questions about the ongoing risks posed by lone-wolf attackers. The echoes of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting resonate in Jalloh’s actions, linking these tragic events through a similar invocation of violence.
The immediate response on campus was intense, with lockdown protocols sending students and staff into a state of panic. Alerts guided the community on how to react, following the grim “run-hide-fight” advice. Classes were canceled in the aftermath, and counseling services were made available to help those coping with the traumatic event. Eyewitness accounts reveal the fear that gripped the campus. Logan Hayes, a student nearby, recalled hearing “a multitude of gunshots” and the screams that followed. Another witness, Calvin, described the frantic scene, noting, “All of a sudden, I hear just a bunch of bodies hitting each other like this loud altercation.” These personal testimonies shed light on the sheer terror experienced by those in proximity to the violence.
The FBI’s designation of the attack as an act of terrorism demonstrates the gravity of the situation. Director Kash Patel emphasized the life-saving actions of the ROTC students and announced a thorough investigation to uncover any potential allies or networks connected to Jalloh. The priority is to assess and understand the broader implications of this attack and the motivations behind it.
Calls for reevaluation of gun control measures have emerged from state and university leaders. Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi urged legislators to reconsider how easily Jalloh was able to carry out such an act, given his past criminal record. This tragic event has sparked conversations about safety, security, and the effectiveness of current policies related to firearms.
The loss of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah has deeply affected the community. He was not just an instructor but a mentor to many young cadets. His death resonates through both the military and educational realms. In the wake of this tragedy, university President Brian O. Hemphill acknowledged the critical role of the ROTC program in preventing further loss. “Their quick action protected not only their peers but also the larger community,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of readiness in confronting threats.
As investigations continue, the public is urged to provide any pertinent information to the FBI. This somber event serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats posed by extremist ideologies. The tragedy at Old Dominion University has ignited discussions about safety, policy changes, and the ongoing vigilance required to confront domestic terrorism. While the community mourns, it must also reflect on how to better protect its spaces from similar acts of violence in the future.
"*" indicates required fields
