Soros-backed DA sparks backlash after blaming Old Dominion shooting on pro-gun lawmakers

Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi doubles down on comments, says 'somebody will be a victim eventually' despite shooter's terrorist ties

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:23am

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The George Soros-backed district attorney in Norfolk, Virginia, where a mass shooting at Old Dominion University took place, doubled down on his viral comments, saying community members looking to place blame should direct it towards pro-gun lawmakers and judges. Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi, whose top donors include Soros-funded PACs, said 'no matter the ideology of an attacker, that attacker is more dangerous with a gun than without one' despite the shooter having a history of supporting Islamic terrorism.

Why it matters

Fatehi's comments have sparked significant backlash, with conservatives criticizing him for politicizing the tragedy and ignoring the shooter's extremist ties. The case highlights the ongoing debate around gun control, the role of progressive prosecutors, and the complex factors behind mass shootings.

The details

The shooter, a former National Guardsman and naturalized citizen from Sierra Leone, was previously sentenced in 2017 for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, but appears to have been released by the federal Bureau of Prisons in late 2024. Authorities confirmed the shooter shouted 'Allahu Akbar' before the attack. Fatehi, whose top donors include Soros-funded PACs, said 'no matter the ideology of an attacker, that attacker is more dangerous with a gun than without one' and blamed pro-gun lawmakers and judges for the shooting.

  • The shooting occurred shortly before 10:49 a.m. on March 13, 2026.
  • The shooter was previously sentenced in 2017 for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, but appears to have been released by the federal Bureau of Prisons in late 2024.

The players

Ramin Fatehi

The George Soros-backed district attorney in Norfolk, Virginia, where the mass shooting took place. Fatehi's top donors include the Soros-subsidized Justice and Public Safety PAC and Democracy PAC.

Mohamed Jalloh

The suspected shooter, a former National Guardsman and naturalized citizen from Sierra Leone who was previously sentenced in 2017 for attempting to provide material support to ISIS.

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What they’re saying

“I absolutely stand by what I said. It is the truth, no matter how much the gun lobby wants to deny it.”

— Ramin Fatehi, Commonwealth's Attorney (1010wcsi.com)

“We have confirmed reports that prior to him conducting this act of terrorism, he shouted all our stated Allahu Akbar.”

— Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Mohamed Jalloh to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around gun control, the role of progressive prosecutors, and the complex factors behind mass shootings, including the potential threat of extremism. It raises questions about bail reform, public safety, and the balance between individual rights and community security.