ROTC Cadets Hailed as Heroes After Stopping ISIS Terrorist at Virginia University
In a dramatic display of courage, Reserve Officers' Training Corps students at Old Dominion University subdued and killed a former National Guardsman turned ISIS terrorist who shouted "Allahu Akbar" before opening fire on campus. The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning in Norfolk, Virginia, resulted in one fatality and two injuries before the ROTC cadets intervened to prevent further bloodshed.
Extreme Bravery Prevents Greater Tragedy
FBI spokesperson Dominique Evans confirmed that the ROTC students showed "extreme bravery and courage" in stopping the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh. "The ROTC students subdued him and rendered him no longer alive," Evans stated, adding, "I don't know how else to say it." While she didn't provide specific details about how Jalloh was killed, previous reports suggested he was stabbed rather than shot.
FBI Director Kash Patel declared the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism, praising the students' actions that "undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement." Evans further revealed that Jalloh had aspired to conduct a terrorist attack similar to the Fort Hood killings and was previously the subject of an FBI investigation into material supporting terrorism.
Deadly Classroom Confrontation
According to sources familiar with the incident, Jalloh stormed into a classroom at Old Dominion University and specifically asked if it was an ROTC class. When someone confirmed it was, he opened fire on the professor, a retired military officer who was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The two other victims, both ROTC members according to Lt. Col. Jimmy Delongchamp of the U.S. Army Cadet Command, sustained injuries but appear to be in stable condition.
Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton confirmed officers responded to reports of people being shot in one of the classrooms. Within approximately one hour of the shooting, university officials declared there was no longer a threat on campus, though classes were canceled and all operations suspended through Friday.
Terrorist's Troubled History
Jalloh, a U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone, had been released from prison in 2024 after being sentenced to 11 years in 2017 for attempting to provide information to ISIS and ISIL. According to court documents, he had told a government informant he quit the Army National Guard after hearing lectures from radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki. The Virginia Army National Guard confirmed Jalloh served as a specialist from 2009 until his honorable discharge in 2015.
A 2016 FBI affidavit revealed Jalloh had discussed carrying out an attack similar to the 2009 Fort Hood shootings that left 13 dead. During a three-month sting operation, Jalloh attempted to donate $500 to the Islamic State (which actually went to an FBI-controlled account) and tried to purchase an AR-15 assault rifle. Prosecutors noted in sentencing documents that "the defendant was fully aware of what he was doing" and showed "how strongly committed he was to the deadly ideology" of the Islamic State.
University Response and Investigation
Old Dominion University President Brian Hemphill addressed the campus community, stating, "We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times." The university, which has about 24,000 students with nearly 30 percent being military-affiliated, maintained counseling and food services despite canceling classes.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said state support was being mobilized to help ODU, while the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed agents were on scene supporting the response. The investigation remains in early stages according to authorities, with the two surviving victims receiving treatment at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, one in critical condition and the other treated and released.
Jalloh's sister, Fatmatu Jalloh of Sterling, Virginia, said she knew nothing about the attack and had last seen her brother two days earlier. "I have no idea what is going on," she stated. "I know nothing. I don't even know who to call."
