A former Army National Guard member, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, initiated a tragic shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia. This incident unfolded on a Thursday when Jalloh opened fire in a classroom, shouting “Allahu Akbar” before the violence erupted. His actions resulted in one death and two injuries.
Quick-thinking ROTC students at the university displayed remarkable bravery by intervening and neutralizing Jalloh. Authorities later confirmed that Jalloh was not shot by anyone during the confrontation.
The FBI is investigating this incident as an act of terrorism. Dominique Evans, a special agent in charge of the FBI’s Norfolk office, praised the ROTC students for their courage, emphasizing that their actions potentially prevented further casualties.
Background on the Shooter
Jalloh had a troubling history. In 2016, he pleaded guilty to attempting to support the Islamic State and served 11 years in prison. He was on supervised release at the time of the shooting, which raised questions about the conditions surrounding his early release. His attorney, Ashraf Nubani, expressed his disbelief, stating he hadn’t spoken to Jalloh recently and condemned violence against innocents.
Jalloh’s sister, Fatmatu, expressed shock and confusion over the shooting, revealing that she had seen him just days prior.
Response and Casualties
The police response was rapid. Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton reported that within 10 minutes of a shooting call, officers had identified Jalloh as deceased, although the exact cause of his death has not been confirmed. The two people injured included ROTC students.
The deceased victim was identified as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a former ODU ROTC leader and Army veteran. He had served in several war zones and was remembered as a dedicated leader.
Jalloh’s History and Ideology
Originally from Sierra Leone, Jalloh served in the Virginia Army National Guard from 2009 until 2015. His radicalization appears to have begun after he encountered extremist ideologies, leading him to communicate with Islamic State operatives. A recent report indicated that recruits are increasingly targeted by radical groups, which underscores the importance of vigilance in military environments.
Despite Jalloh’s past attempts to engage with terrorist organizations, he was given a sentence of 11 years, with mental health and substance abuse treatment mandated as part of his release. He expressed regret over his past actions, stating he was misled by emotions.
Current Impact
Following the shooting, Old Dominion University canceled classes through the end of the week. This security incident raises significant concerns about public safety in educational institutions, especially those with military ties.
The aftermath of violent acts like this often leads to broader discussions about gun control and mental health support. A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center highlighted that 57% of Americans believe gun laws should be stricter, emphasizing the need for effective policy changes to prevent future tragedies.
In summary, this unfortunate event not only devastated families but also shines a light on the ongoing issues surrounding violence and extremism. The collaboration and bravery displayed by the university community serve as a reminder of the strength found in unity during dark times.
For further details, you can read about the FBI’s investigations in related reports here.
