One dead and two injured in Virginia university shooting

March 12, 2026

A former Virginia National Guard member with a prior conviction for attempting to support ISIS opened fire in a classroom at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, specifically targeting an ROTC class. Students in the classroom, who were members of the military training program, managed to physically subdue and kill the attacker without using firearms. The attack resulted in three people being shot, including the class instructor who was a retired military officer and later died from injuries, while two other victims were active army personnel.

Who is affected

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh (the suspect, deceased)
Three shooting victims in the classroom, including:
One retired military officer/class instructor (deceased)
Two Army personnel (injured)
ROTC students who subdued the attacker
Old Dominion University students and staff
The broader Old Dominion University community in Norfolk, Virginia

What action is being taken

The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism
Law enforcement is examining the suspect's prior conviction and statements made during the attack

Why it matters

This incident demonstrates the ongoing threat posed by individuals with extremist ideologies and prior terrorism-related convictions, even after prison release. The attack specifically targeted military personnel in training, suggesting premeditation and ideological motivation similar to previous attacks on military installations. The event also highlights both the vulnerability of educational institutions and the effectiveness of immediate response by trained individuals, as ROTC students were able to neutralize the threat and likely prevent additional casualties.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC