Shooter in Fatal Old Dominion University Attack Had Gun with Obliterated Serial Number

Law enforcement official says the gun used in the shooting that killed an ROTC leader had an unidentifiable serial number.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A law enforcement official has revealed that the shooter who opened fire in a classroom at Virginia's Old Dominion University, in an attack being investigated as an act of terrorism, had a gun with an obliterated serial number. This could potentially complicate investigators' efforts to trace the firearm and determine how the shooter, a former Army National Guard member with a previous felony conviction, obtained the weapon.

Why it matters

The obliterated serial number on the gun used in the attack raises concerns about the shooter's ability to obtain a firearm despite his criminal history, and highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracing firearms with missing identification markings. This incident underscores the ongoing debate around gun control and the need for stronger regulations to prevent individuals with a history of violence from accessing firearms.

The details

The shooter, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member who pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to aid the Islamic State extremist group, opened fire in a classroom at Old Dominion University on Thursday. The attack is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Jalloh, who yelled 'Allahu akbar' before opening fire, was subdued and killed by ROTC students. The shooting killed an ROTC leader who was a professor of military science at ODU, and left two others injured, one of whom is now in fair condition.

  • The shooting occurred on Thursday at Old Dominion University.
  • Jalloh was released from federal custody in December 2024, after serving 11 years in prison for attempting to aid the Islamic State group.

The players

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh

The shooter, a former Army National Guard member who pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to aid the Islamic State extremist group.

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah

The ROTC leader and professor of military science at ODU who was killed in the shooting.

Dominique Evans

The special agent in charge of the FBI's Norfolk field office.

Garrett Shelton

The Old Dominion University Police Chief.

Jimmy Delongchamp

The public information officer for the U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“None whatsoever.”

— Dominique Evans, Special agent in charge of the FBI's Norfolk field office

“Less than 10 minutes passed between when officers were called about a shooting in the university's business school building and when responders determined the shooter was dead.”

— Garrett Shelton, Old Dominion University Police Chief

What’s next

Investigators will have to try to re-surface the obliterated serial number on the gun used in the shooting in order to trace its origins and determine how the shooter obtained the firearm.

The takeaway

The use of a gun with an obliterated serial number in this attack highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in tracing firearms and preventing individuals with criminal histories from accessing weapons. This incident underscores the need for stronger gun control measures and improved background check systems to keep firearms out of the hands of those who pose a threat to public safety.