Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, that left one person dead and several others injured, while new details about the suspect’s background have raised additional concerns. The attack reportedly occurred late Thursday morning inside Constant Hall on the university’s campus.

Law enforcement officials later identified the gunman as 36-year-old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh of Sterling, Virginia. According to NBC News reporting on March 13, 2026, Jalloh had previously been convicted in a terrorism-related case tied to the extremist group ISIS. The incident is now being investigated as a potential act of terrorism.

Entertainment blogger Perez Hilton described the emerging details about the shooting at Old Dominion University as “as troubling as they are heartbreaking,” echoing the headline phrase that has circulated in coverage of the case.

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Shooting unfolded inside Constant Hall at Old Dominion University as students and staff received emergency alerts

The incident began shortly before 11 a.m. on Thursday, when students and staff at Old Dominion University received an emergency alert warning of a potential threat inside Constant Hall. According to reporting summarized in a March 13, 2026 account of the incident, the alert was issued at approximately 10:48 a.m., and authorities say the suspect opened fire about a minute later.

Old Dominion University officials later confirmed that one victim was killed in the shooting. The deceased victim was identified by NBC News as Brandon A. Shah, an Army lieutenant colonel. Two other individuals were transported to a hospital and were reported to be in stable condition.

The U.S. Army Cadet Command confirmed that two members of the university’s ROTC program were among those shot during the attack. A third person sought medical treatment independently, authorities said.

Law enforcement said the suspect was killed during the incident. According to FBI officials cited by NBC News, Jalloh reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack before being subdued by students who intervened.

Adding to the tension of the morning, students from nearly every high school in Norfolk were at the Old Dominion University campus for a tour when the shooting occurred. Officials later confirmed that all visiting students and staff were accounted for and safe.

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Authorities cite past terrorism conviction connected to ISIS

Investigators quickly focused on the suspect’s background after identifying him as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh. According to NBC News, Jalloh previously pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS.

Court documents state that in 2016 Jalloh sent gift card codes to a person he believed was connected to ISIS. The individual was actually an undercover FBI employee. Authorities also said he traveled to North Carolina that year in an attempt to purchase an AK-47 as part of a plot to kill U.S. military personnel.

When that purchase failed, investigators said he bought an AR-15 at a gun store before being arrested the following day. Jalloh was later sentenced to 11 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release for the terrorism-related offense.

Federal prison records show he was released in 2024 after serving part of his sentence. According to NBC News, he was on probation connected to the earlier conviction when the Old Dominion University attack occurred.

During his sentencing in the earlier case, Jalloh told the court that supporting ISIS had been “the most devastating mistake” of his life and apologized to the military and the United States.

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Federal authorities have said the campus shooting will be investigated as an act of terrorism. FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on social media that investigators are examining whether the suspect’s past extremist activity played a role in the attack.

Officials also credited several students whose actions may have prevented further casualties. According to authorities cited in reports on March 13, 2026, a group of students helped subdue the suspect during the incident.

Old Dominion University canceled classes for the remainder of the day following the shooting and announced the campus would remain closed the next day as the community processed the event.

University President Brian O. Hemphill released a statement expressing condolences to those affected. He said the university remains committed to maintaining a safe learning and living environment while acknowledging the pain the incident has caused across the campus community.

Multiple agencies are continuing to investigate the shooting, and officials say they are working to determine whether the suspect deliberately targeted members of the university’s ROTC program.