A gunman opened fire in Constant Hall at Old Dominion University shortly before 10:49 a.m., and two people were injured. The gunman is now deceased. The university has canceled classes and operations on main campus for the remainder of March 12, 2026.
The shooter was identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, of Sterling, Virginia, and he was previously convicted of attempting to provide material support to ISIS. Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in prison in February 2017 and was released early in December 2024. FBI Director Kash Patel said a "group of brave students who stepped in and subdued" the gunman most likely saved lives.
According to the FBI, Jalloh shouted before the shooting and "stormed into a classroom" to ask if it was an ROTC class, then opened fire after someone confirmed that it was. Two of the three victims are members of the school's ROTC program, and officials said Jalloh was a former member of the Army National Guard who targeted an ROTC class.
The shooting is being investigated "as an act of terrorism," according to FBI Director Kash Patel. Old Dominion University will be closed Friday, March 13, 2026 at all locations, with classes cancelled and operations suspended. On Friday, counselors will be available from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., with student counseling in Broderick Dining Commons and faculty, staff, and community counseling in Student Government Chambers at Webb Center.