The ODU Campus Shooting on March 12, 2026, shocked the community at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia. Authorities confirmed that one person was killed and two others were injured when a gunman opened fire inside Constant Hall.
According to federal officials, the attacker was Mohamed Jalloh, a man previously convicted for providing material support to the terrorist group ISIL. Investigators say the suspect was subdued and killed by a group of brave ROTC students, whose actions prevented additional casualties during the ODU Campus Shooting.
The FBI is currently investigating the ODU Campus Shooting as a possible act of terrorism, while law enforcement continues gathering evidence and reviewing the suspect’s background.
Details of the ODU Campus Shooting
The ODU Campus Shooting occurred around 10:50 a.m. on Thursday inside Constant Hall, a building on the university’s main campus.
Police and federal authorities confirmed that the suspect began firing inside a classroom area, causing panic among students and staff. Several people were struck during the attack before students intervened and stopped the gunman.
Officials reported:
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Constant Hall, Old Dominion University |
| Date | March 12, 2026 |
| Time | Approximately 10:50 a.m. |
| Victims | 1 killed, 2 injured |
| Suspect | Mohamed Jalloh |
| Investigation | FBI investigating as terrorism |
The ODU Campus Shooting quickly triggered an emergency response from local police, campus officers, and federal investigators.
Suspect Identified by the FBI
Authorities identified the shooter involved in the ODU Campus Shooting as Mohamed Jalloh.
The FBI Norfolk Field Office confirmed that Jalloh had previously been investigated for terrorism-related activity. Officials stated he had been convicted earlier for providing material support to ISIL and had recently been released from prison.
During a press conference, Dominique Evans, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk office, explained that investigators believe the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” shortly before the attack began.
Because of these details and the suspect’s history, the ODU Campus Shooting is being treated as a terrorism-related incident by federal authorities.
ROTC Students Confront the Gunman
One of the most dramatic aspects of the ODU Campus Shooting was the response of students inside the room where the attack took place.
Officials said members of the Army ROTC program at Old Dominion University acted quickly to confront the gunman.
According to the FBI:
- Several ROTC students physically subdued the attacker.
- Their actions stopped the shooting and prevented further casualties.
- The suspect was rendered dead during the confrontation.
Authorities clarified that the gunman was not shot, but was instead stopped through the actions of the students.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised their bravery, stating their actions likely saved many lives during the ODU Campus Shooting.
Victims of the Shooting
The ODU Campus Shooting tragically claimed the life of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a respected member of the university’s ROTC program.
Shah served as:
- Professor of Military Science
- Department Chair for Army ROTC
According to a statement from Voorhees University, Shah was also the son-in-law of trustee Dr. Dan Martin.
Two other individuals were injured during the ODU Campus Shooting but were reported to be in stable condition after receiving medical care.
One of the injured individuals transported themselves to a hospital in Virginia Beach.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Local authorities responded rapidly to the ODU Campus Shooting, arriving at the scene within minutes.
Emergency responders included:
- Old Dominion University Police
- Norfolk Police Department
- Virginia State Police
- FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force
Officials also confirmed that:
- One firearm was recovered at the scene.
- There is no evidence of explosives in the suspect’s vehicle or belongings.
- Federal investigators are continuing to analyze evidence.
The FBI Evidence Response Team remains involved in processing the scene connected to the ODU Campus Shooting.
Statements from Government and Community Leaders
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming that state officials were assisting the investigation.
She thanked law enforcement and emergency responders for their rapid response and said the state government is closely coordinating with university leadership.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Community of Tidewater strongly condemned the violence and urged the public not to associate the crime with religion or any community.
The organization stated clearly that no belief system or ideology justifies harming innocent people.
Campus Lockdown and Student Reactions
During the ODU Campus Shooting, students in nearby classrooms reported hearing gunfire and screams as the attack unfolded.
ODU sophomore Logan Hayes, who was taking a test in Constant Hall, described the chaos when the fire alarm sounded.
After exiting the building, he said he heard multiple gunshots and people yelling in panic.
Authorities eventually issued an “all clear” alert around 12:15 p.m., informing the campus community that the immediate threat had ended.
University Response and Support Services
Following the ODU Campus Shooting, the university announced several immediate actions:
- Classes canceled for the remainder of March 12
- Campus closed on March 13
- Counseling services made available to students
Students and staff were encouraged to access support resources, including counseling sessions and peer support through the university’s mental health services.
A Family Information Center was also set up at Chartway Arena to assist relatives of those affected.
The ODU Campus Shooting has left a deep impact on the Old Dominion University community and the wider Norfolk region. While the attack resulted in tragic loss of life and injuries, the courageous actions of ROTC students played a critical role in preventing an even greater tragedy. Their quick thinking and bravery helped stop the gunman before more lives could be lost.
As investigators continue examining the circumstances behind the ODU Campus Shooting, officials are focusing on understanding the suspect’s background and motivations. Meanwhile, the university community is coming together to support victims, honor the life of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, and begin the process of healing after this devastating event.