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Learn how courageous students ended the threat and the full story behind this tragic event today.

In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded on Thursday morning, the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, faced an active shooter situation that has drawn widespread attention.

The Old Dominion University shooting, often referred to in updates as the ODU shooting or active shooter at ODU, occurred around 10:49 a.m. in Constant Hall.

This event, also known as the ODU active shooter incident, resulted in one fatality and two injuries before it was brought under control.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this Virginia shooting.

What Happened During The ODU Active Shooter Incident

Reports of the shooting at ODU today began when emergency calls flooded in about gunfire inside Constant Hall, home to the university’s Strome College of Business and several ROTC classes.

The suspect entered a classroom and asked specifically whether it was an ROTC session.

Once confirmed, he shouted “Allahu Akbar” and opened fire.

Two people were initially hurt and rushed to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, while one victim later passed away.

The ODU active threat alert prompted students and staff to follow the “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol, which many credit with limiting further harm during this school shooting today.

The quick response from campus police and emergency teams helped restore calm within minutes.

An all-clear was issued shortly after noon, and the university canceled classes for the rest of the day and Friday to allow the community time to process the tragedy.

Background On The Shooter: Who Is Mohamed Bailor Jalloh?

The individual identified in connection with the Old Dominion shooting is Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a 36-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone who lived in Sterling, Virginia. Jalloh had previously served in the Virginia Army National Guard from 2009 to 2015.

Years earlier, he pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS (also known as ISIL) and was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

He was released in late 2024. Authorities are investigating the ODU shooting today as an act of terrorism due to these past connections.

This has raised important conversations about security and awareness on college campuses across Virginia.

Honoring The Victim: Lt. Col. Brandon Shah

The person killed in the ODU shooting has been identified as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, the Professor of Military Science and head of Old Dominion University’s Army ROTC program.

A Virginia native and ODU alumnus, Shah enlisted in the Army in 2003 and served for more than two decades, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he flew Apache helicopters.

He held advanced degrees and brought real-world experience to mentoring the next generation of officers.

His loss is felt deeply by students, colleagues, and the broader military community.

The other two injured individuals remain in care, and their condition is being monitored closely.

Heroic Actions By ROTC Students Stop The Threat

What stands out in reports of the active shooter ODU event is the bravery shown by the ROTC cadets in the classroom.

These students quickly subdued the gunman, preventing what could have been an even greater loss of life.

Officials have praised their courage and quick thinking, noting that their actions ended the threat almost immediately.

In moments like these, the training and teamwork emphasized in ROTC programs truly make a difference.

This part of the story highlights the strength and readiness of young people on campus during the ODU active-shooter incident.

Old Dominion University And Campus Safety In Norfolk, VA

Old Dominion University, often shortened to ODU, is a public research university in Norfolk, Virginia, with around 24,000 students.

Known for its strong academic programs and close ties to the military community, the school sits in a vibrant coastal city.

Constant Hall serves as a central hub for business classes and ROTC training.

Following the incident, university leaders set up counseling services and a family support center.

They also reminded everyone of safety resources available on campus.

Events like this ODU shooting underscore the importance of staying alert and knowing basic emergency steps, such as identifying safe exits or secure hiding spots.

Here is a clear timeline of how the events unfolded for easy reference:

Time	Event
~10:49 a.m.	Reports of a shooting begin at Constant Hall
Minutes later	ROTC students respond and stop the threat
~10:50 a.m.	Shooter neutralized; police confirm scene secure
Shortly after	All-clear issued, and classes canceled
Afternoon	Counseling and support centers opened

An Interesting Trivia Fact

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah not only taught at his alma mater but had flown AH-64 Apache helicopters during overseas deployments, an impressive achievement that brought hands-on aviation expertise straight into the classroom for his ROTC students.

This ODU shooting serves as a solemn reminder of how quickly situations can change and how important community resilience and preparedness really are.

While we hope incidents like the active shooter at ODU remain rare, stories of bravery, like those from the ROTC cadets, give us hope.

Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and everyone in the Old Dominion University community during this difficult time.