A student in an Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps course stabbed a suspected shooter who barged into an Old Dominion University classroom in Virginia on Thursday, according to a new report.
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh said “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire and killing ROTC instructor Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah and injuring two others, according to officials.
FBI Director Kash Patel said in an X post Thursday the suspected shooter died “thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him – actions that undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement.”
One of those ROTC students who intervened stabbed the suspected shooter, two senior law enforcement officials familiar with the matter told NBC News.
The FBI’s Norfolk field office told The Independent it’s working “around the clock” to run down leads.
“Last night and this morning, FBI agents conducted multiple interviews and lawful searches as we delve into every inch of Jalloh’s life,” the office said.
Old Dominion University said it is “grieving following the tragic act of violence.”
“We mourn with and support Lt. Col. Brandon Shah’s family, students, and colleagues, and all members of the ODU Army ROTC community,” the school said in a statement.
Shah was an ODU alumnus and an experienced Army pilot. He flew over Iraq, Afghanistan and Eastern Europe, logging more than 1,200 flight hours, according to the university.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger paid tribute to the “devoted” instructor, writing on X Thursday Shah “didn’t just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path.”
Jason Fedish, a friend of Shah who trained with him as an ROTC cadet years ago, told local outlet WTKR, “He just exuded optimism and positivity.”
The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism. Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard, pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to ISIS. He was released from prison in 2024.
During his 2017 sentencing, Jalloh apologized for his actions, telling U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady, “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,” according to a transcript of the hearing reviewed by CBS News.
Jalloh was a naturalized citizen from Sierra Leone, according to the Associated Press. He was taking online classes at ODU at the time of the shooting, the AP reported, citing court documents.
