ROTC students at Old Dominion University (ODU) successfully neutralized an ISIS-linked terrorist who opened fire inside Constant Hall on Thursday morning. The suspect, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was a former National Guard member previously convicted of supporting the Islamic State; he was killed by the students during the confrontation before he could cause further loss of life.

NORFOLK, VA — A morning of terror at Old Dominion University was cut short by the “extreme bravery and courage” of ROTC students who intervened to stop a mass shooter. Around 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, a gunman entered Constant Hall—which houses the university’s business school—and opened fire, killing one person and wounding two others.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans confirmed that the suspect, 35-year-old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, shouted “Allahu Akbar” as he began the assault. Before Jalloh could continue his rampage through the building, a group of ROTC students in a nearby classroom moved toward the sound of the gunfire. Without the use of a firearm, the cadets subdued the attacker and, in the words of Agent Evans, “rendered him no longer alive”.

A History of Terrorist Ties

The shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism by the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Jalloh was not a stranger to federal authorities; he was a former member of the Army National Guard who pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to ISIS. Records indicate he was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison and had been released in December 2024.

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that the quick actions of the students prevented a significantly higher death toll. All three victims of the initial shooting have ties to the university, though their identities have not yet been released pending family notification.

Campus Response and Security

The ODU campus remained on lockdown for several hours following the incident as law enforcement cleared Constant Hall and searched for potential accomplices. Governor Abigail Spanberger stated she is working closely with university officials to provide resources to the grieving campus community.

Safety Tip: The ODU incident serves as a powerful, real-world example of the “Fight” stage in the “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol. When an active shooter is in your immediate vicinity and escape is impossible, a coordinated physical intervention is often the only way to survive. If you are in a group, use your numbers to your advantage; swarming an attacker from multiple angles makes it nearly impossible for them to effectively aim or discharge a firearm. As a concealed carry holder, remember that even if you are unarmed, your mindset is your primary defensive tool. Look for improvised defensive tools (fire extinguishers, heavy chairs) and commit fully to the physical takedown. The cadets at ODU proved that decisive, aggressive action can neutralize a threat and save dozens of lives.