FBI Now Officially Classifying Attack As Terrorism; Shooter Previously Convicted On ISIS-Related Terror Charge

Thursday, March 12, 2026, 6:30 P.M. ET. 5 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,

NORFOLK, VA.- Federal authorities are now formally classifying Thursday’s deadly shooting at Old Dominion University as a terrorist attack, after investigators confirmed the gunman had previously been convicted in a federal terrorism case involving support for the Islamic State.

     The suspect, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, opened fire inside a classroom Thursday morning, killing one person and wounding two others before being subdued by a group of individuals and dying during the confrontation, according to law enforcement officials.

     Investigators say the shooting occurred shortly before 10:49 a.m. Eastern Time inside Constant Hall, a building that houses both business programs and the university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.

     Authorities say Jalloh targeted individuals connected to the ROTC program.

     Before opening fire, witnesses told investigators that the gunman shouted “Allahu Akbar,” an Arabic phrase meaning “God is greatest,” moments before the attack began, according to information discussed during a federal law enforcement briefing on the incident.

Victims And Immediate Response;

     The gunfire left one person dead and two others injured, according to police and hospital officials.

     The individual killed in the attack was reportedly a retired U.S. military officer who was instructing an ROTC class inside Constant Hall at the time of the shooting.

     Two ROTC members were also struck by gunfire and transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

     Medical officials confirmed:

     • One victim remains in critical condition
     • One victim was treated and later released

     Police say the shooter was subdued by a group of individuals inside the building, including students who intervened during the attack.

     Jalloh was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.

     Federal authorities have praised the individuals who intervened, saying their actions likely prevented additional casualties.

FBI Director: Attack Is Terrorism;

     During an earlier press conference following the shooting, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the federal government is now investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.

     “The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of terrorism. Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is fully engaged and working closely with state and local authorities,” Patel said. 

     Patel also praised those who confronted the gunman.

     “A group of brave individuals stepped in and subdued the attacker. Their actions undoubtedly saved lives.”

     The investigation is now being led by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, working alongside Norfolk police and Virginia state authorities.

Shooter’s Terrorism Conviction;

     Investigators say the suspect’s history immediately raised concerns within federal law enforcement.

     Jalloh had previously been convicted in federal court for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, the militant extremist group responsible for numerous terrorist attacks worldwide.

     According to federal court records:

• Jalloh pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to ISIS
• He was sentenced in 2017 to approximately 11 years in federal prison
• He was released from federal custody in December 2024

     Jalloh had previously served as a member of the Virginia Army National Guard, authorities confirmed.

     Federal investigators are now examining whether the suspect had re-established contact with extremist networks following his release from prison.

Timeline Of The Attack;

     Authorities say the events unfolded rapidly on Thursday morning.

     Approximately 10:43 a.m.
Reports of gunfire begin inside Constant Hall.

     10:48–10:49 a.m.
Old Dominion University issues a campus emergency alert warning students to avoid the area.

     Minutes later
Campus police and Norfolk police respond to the building.

     Shortly afterward
The shooter is subdued by individuals inside the building and later pronounced dead.

     Late morning
The university issues a shelter-in-place order for the campus.

     Around midday
Authorities lifted the shelter order after confirming there was no ongoing threat.

     Dozens of law enforcement officers and emergency responders were deployed to the scene.

     Nearby schools were also briefly placed on precautionary lockdown while police secured the area.

Campus Response;

     Old Dominion University canceled classes and operations for the remainder of the day as investigators processed the scene.

     University President Brian O. Hemphill issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims and their families.

     The university also activated crisis counseling services for students, faculty, and staff affected by the attack.

     Old Dominion University enrolls roughly 24,000 students and is located near Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world.

Ongoing Federal Investigation;

     Federal investigators are now working to determine:

     • Whether Jalloh acted entirely alone
     • Whether he had recent contact with extremist organizations
     • Whether the attack was planned or inspired by ISIS propaganda
     • How he obtained the weapon used in the shooting
     • His activities following his release from federal prison in 2024

     Authorities are currently reviewing:

• digital communications
• social media activity
• surveillance footage
• travel and financial records

     The FBI has not yet announced whether additional arrests are expected.

Editor’s Note:

This story was written and confirmed by Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor, and is continuing to develop as federal investigators release additional information. Early details in active terrorism investigations can change as evidence is verified. Englebrook Independent News will continue to update this report as new confirmed information becomes available from federal and local authorities.