Norfolk, Virginia — A gunman was killed Thursday morning after opening fire in an ROTC classroom at Old Dominion University’s Constant Hall, leaving one person dead and two others injured, authorities confirmed. The incident, which unfolded around 10:49 a.m. on March 12, 2026, prompted a campus lockdown and is being investigated as an act of terrorism.
The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh—a former Army National Guard member previously convicted in 2016 for attempting to support ISIS—entered the classroom, confirmed it was an ROTC class, shouted “Allahu Akbar,” and began shooting. One victim, reportedly a retired military officer, was killed; the two injured ROTC members were hospitalized in stable condition.
ROTC students quickly intervened, subduing and fatally stabbing the gunman, an action officials described as “brave” and credited with ending the threat and preventing further casualties. The FBI is leading a Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation alongside local police.
ODU issued an active threat alert, canceled classes through Friday, and set up counseling services. University President Brian O. Hemphill and Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger offered support to the community.
