Old Dominion University Shooting: Terrorism Suspect Had Links to Nigeria-Based ISIS

Old Dominion University Shooting: Terrorism Suspect Had Links to Nigeria-Based ISIS

NORFOLK, VA — A shocking shooting at Old Dominion University has left one ROTC instructor dead and two cadets injured, reigniting concerns over terrorism and prison release policies in the U.S.

The attacker, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, a naturalized U.S. citizen, stormed a classroom at the university on March 12, 2026, identifying it as an ROTC class before opening fire. Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, an Army instructor, was killed in the attack, while two cadets sustained injuries. Authorities say students intervened and stopped Jalloh before more lives were lost.

Federal authorities, including the FBI, are treating the incident as a terrorism-related attack, noting that Jalloh shouted “Allahu Akbar” prior to the shooting. He was a former federal inmate who had served time for providing material support to ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) after traveling to Nigeria and meeting with members of the terrorist group.

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U.S. Congressman Riley Moore expressed outrage over Jalloh’s early release from prison in 2024, highlighting that he had links to ISIS in Nigeria and had been under federal surveillance. Moore criticized current laws allowing naturalized U.S. citizens with terrorist ties to remain in the country and announced plans to introduce legislation to denaturalize and deport citizens who engage in terrorism.

Court and DOJ documents indicate that Jalloh traveled to Nigeria for six months, where he first met ISIS operatives and communicated online with them about potential attacks. During a prior federal investigation, he admitted that he frequently considered carrying out attacks on U.S. soil.

Authorities continue to investigate how Jalloh obtained the firearm used in the attack, given his felony record, and the university has offered counseling services for affected students and faculty. The incident raises urgent questions about terrorism prevention, prison early release policies, and national security in the U.S.

Old Dominion University Shooting: Terrorism Suspect Had Links to Nigeria-Based ISIS