A shooting at Aged Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday left one person dead and two others injured, according to sources. The shooter was neutralized after a student intervened and subdued the attacker, actions praised by FBI Director Kash Patel.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred in Constant Hall, the main building for the College of Business, just days before the start of a week-long spring holiday. The 36-year-old suspect, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, is a former member of the Army National Guard who served nearly seven years in prison after pleading guilty to attempting to support an Islamist extremist group.
Police began receiving calls about the shooting at 10:43 a.m., arrived four minutes later, and determined the attacker was deceased by 10:50 a.m., according to University Police Chief Garrett Shelton. All three individuals involved – the deceased and the two injured – were affiliated with the university, though their identities have not been confirmed.
Previous Attempts to Support ISIS
In 2016, Jalloh attempted to obtain weapons and donate money to ISIS, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. He was communicating with an FBI source at the time and reportedly expressed that Ramadan would be an opportune time to carry out an attack in the United States.
Jalloh pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2017.
University Response and Aftermath
Old Dominion University initially reported an “active threat” on its website, advising individuals to “run, hide, fight.” Classes and operations at the main campus were canceled for the remainder of Thursday and Friday. University President Brian Hemphill stated the campus and community were “deeply shocked and forever marked” by the act of violence.
Two victims were transported to Norfolk General Hospital, and a third transported themselves to a hospital in Virginia Beach. Students, faculty, and staff were provided with food and psychological support following the shooting.
State support is being mobilized to assist the university and Norfolk Police, according to Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Old Dominion University?
A shooting occurred in Constant Hall, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. The shooter was subdued by a student and later found deceased.
Who was the suspect?
The suspect was identified as 36-year-old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard with a prior conviction for attempting to support ISIS.
What is the current status of the university?
Classes and operations at Old Dominion University’s main campus were canceled for the remainder of Thursday and Friday following the shooting.
As the investigation continues, what questions remain about the motivations behind this tragic event?
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