Ex-National Guardsman Identified as Old Dominion University Shooter Had Prior ISIS Conviction

Norfolk, Va.(VINnews) — The gunman who opened fire Thursday during an ROTC class at Old Dominion University has been identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, a former Virginia National Guardsman with a prior terrorism conviction.

Jalloh entered Constant Hall, asked if it was an ROTC class, and then shot the instructor, a retired military officer, who later died at a hospital. The attack was stopped when an ROTC student intervened, stabbing Jalloh and preventing further casualties.

Authorities say Jalloh had a history of attempting to support Islamic State. In 2016, he met with an FBI undercover agent while plotting to assist ISIS, including trying to purchase firearms for an attack in the U.S. He was arrested in 2016 and sentenced in 2017 to 11 years in prison, plus five years supervised release, and was released early in December 2024.

Campus security and law enforcement are reviewing the incident. Students and staff were safely evacuated, and counseling services have been made available. Officials continue to examine how Jalloh, with his prior convictions, was able to bring a weapon onto campus.