ODU Shooting Firearm Had Serial Number Obliterated, Impeding FBI Investigation
In a critical development from the shooting at Virginia's Old Dominion University, which authorities are probing as an act of terrorism, the firearm used had its serial number completely obliterated. This significant detail complicates ongoing efforts by the FBI to trace the weapon's origin and history, potentially hindering the broader investigation into the attack.
Shooter Identified as Former Army National Guard Member with Terror Links
The FBI has identified the shooter as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard. In 2016, Jalloh pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State, a conviction that resulted in an 11-year prison sentence. He was released from federal custody in December 2024 and was under supervised release at the time of the incident.
During the attack, Jalloh reportedly yelled "Allahu akbar" before opening fire on the university campus. His actions were swiftly countered by ROTC students, who subdued and killed him, an intervention praised by officials for preventing further casualties and loss of life.
Casualties and Heroic Response at Old Dominion University
The shooting resulted in the tragic death of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a respected ROTC leader and professor of military science at Old Dominion University. Additionally, two other individuals sustained injuries during the altercation, though their conditions have not been disclosed in detail.
Law enforcement officials emphasize that the obliterated serial number on the gun presents a major obstacle. Investigators must now employ specialized forensic techniques to attempt to resurface the number, a process that is often time-consuming and not always successful, further delaying the tracing of the firearm's provenance.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about gun tracing challenges in criminal and terrorism investigations, highlighting the need for advanced forensic capabilities in such high-stakes scenarios.
