Authorities have identified the suspect in a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a 36-year-old man who had previously been convicted of attempting to support the terrorist organization ISIS. Investigators say the attack, which left one person dead and two others injured, is being treated as a possible act of terrorism.

The shooting occurred inside a classroom on the Old Dominion University campus on Thursday. According to officials, Jalloh opened fire during a class session before being subdued by individuals inside the room. One victim, later identified as Army Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah, died from injuries sustained in the attack. Two other victims, who were also reported to be members of the U.S. Army, were injured and transported to nearby medical facilities.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that Jalloh was killed during the confrontation. Authorities say students present during the attack managed to stop him before additional casualties could occur.

Investigation Points to Terrorism Motive

Federal investigators, including the FBI, quickly began examining Jalloh’s background. Officials stated that his past criminal record, which includes a conviction for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, has raised concerns that the attack may have been ideologically motivated.

Dominique Evans, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Norfolk field office, said during a press briefing that Jalloh reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the incident. Investigators are currently reviewing evidence, witness statements, and digital records to determine whether the shooting was planned as a terrorist attack or whether other motives may have been involved.

“The investigation remains ongoing,” Evans said. “We are examining the suspect’s history, communications, and activities leading up to the event.”

Victims Identified

The individual killed in the attack was identified as Army Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll confirmed Shah’s identity and expressed condolences to his family and colleagues.

Driscoll also stated that the two individuals who were injured during the shooting were members of the U.S. Army. Their conditions have not been publicly disclosed, but officials indicated they were receiving medical treatment.

University administrators described the incident as a tragic and shocking event that has deeply affected the campus community. Classes were temporarily suspended as law enforcement secured the area and began their investigation.

Suspect’s Military Background

According to military officials, Jalloh previously served in the Virginia National Guard from 2009 to 2015 as a combat engineer. During his time in service, he did not deploy overseas and was honorably discharged.

His military background has raised additional questions about how someone with prior service experience became involved in extremist activity.

Officials noted that Jalloh’s criminal history began shortly after his discharge from the National Guard.

Earlier Terrorism Conviction

Court documents show that Jalloh was arrested in 2016 on federal charges related to supporting ISIS, also known as the Islamic State. Prosecutors said he attempted to provide material assistance to the terrorist group by sending gift card codes to someone he believed was an ISIS member. In reality, the individual was an undercover FBI agent.

Authorities also revealed that Jalloh traveled to North Carolina in an attempt to purchase an AK-47 rifle as part of what prosecutors described as a plan to kill U.S. military personnel. According to court records, the seller refused to complete the transaction.

Jalloh later purchased an AR-15 rifle from a gun store instead. He was arrested by federal agents the following day before the alleged plot could be carried out.

He later pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Sentencing and Release

Following his guilty plea, Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison. In addition to his prison sentence, the court ordered five years of supervised probation after his release.

As part of the conditions of his supervised release, Jalloh was required to participate in a computer monitoring program designed to track his online activity.

He was released from prison in 2024 after completing his sentence. At the time of Thursday’s attack, he was reportedly still under supervised probation.

Officials from the federal probation office responsible for overseeing his supervision did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding his status prior to the shooting.

Defense Arguments in Earlier Case

During Jalloh’s earlier court proceedings, his defense attorneys argued that his involvement with extremist ideology stemmed from personal struggles rather than genuine commitment to terrorism.

A sentencing memorandum submitted by his legal team described his interest in ISIS as part of what they characterized as a search for identity and purpose. The document suggested that his actions reflected “gullibility, impressionability, lack of sophistication, and passivity” rather than an intention to carry out violence.

His attorneys also described Jalloh’s personal history as deeply troubled. According to the memo, his life had been marked by exposure to war, trauma, violence, and abuse. They argued that these experiences contributed to his vulnerability to extremist influences.

The defense characterized him as a “bright, capable, hard-working, and kind man who had a promising future prior to his dalliance with extremism.”

Statements From His Attorney

Ashraf Nubani, one of Jalloh’s former attorneys, said he had not been in contact with his client since the conclusion of the earlier case.

In a statement following the shooting, Nubani condemned the violence.

“Any loss of life is tragic, and violence against innocent people is completely contrary to Islamic teachings and basic human morality,” Nubani wrote in an email.

He added that he had no information regarding the events at Old Dominion University.

Jalloh’s Statements at Sentencing

During his sentencing hearing in the earlier terrorism case, Jalloh expressed regret for his actions and distanced himself from the ideology of ISIS.

“This entire crime is not who I am, it’s not who I plan to be, and it’s not who I have been,” he told the court.

He described his involvement with the extremist organization as the “most devastating mistake” of his life.

“I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but this mistake of giving any support to the violent and extreme organization ISIS has been the most devastating one I have ever decided to make in my life,” he said.

Jalloh also apologized to the court, the U.S. military, and the American public.

“Every time I see any atrocities that ISIS commits, I am disgusted by it because I know this is not what I want to be a part of,” he said.

Community Reaction

The shooting has sparked concern about campus safety and the monitoring of individuals previously convicted of terrorism-related crimes. Students and faculty members at Old Dominion University expressed shock that someone with such a background was able to carry out an attack on campus.

Local authorities and federal investigators continue to examine Jalloh’s recent activities and contacts to determine whether he acted alone or had assistance.

University officials said counseling services have been made available to students and staff affected by the incident.

Ongoing Investigation

The FBI and local law enforcement agencies are continuing to gather evidence related to the shooting. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining Jalloh’s digital communications.

Officials say the investigation will focus on understanding the motives behind the attack and determining whether it was inspired by extremist ideology or other factors.

As the investigation continues, authorities emphasize that protecting public safety and providing answers to the victims’ families remain their highest priorities.