Convicted Terrorist Released Early Opened Fire at Old Dominion University

The former National Guard member killed one and wounded two others before being subdued and killed by ROTC students.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:52am

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Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Virginia Army National Guard member who authorities said was taking online classes at Old Dominion University, opened fire in a classroom, killing one person and wounding two others. Jalloh had been released from federal prison in 2024, about 2.5 years early, after completing a drug treatment program despite his terrorism conviction, which should have disqualified him from that early release program.

Why it matters

This case raises serious questions about how a convicted terrorist was able to be released early from prison and then carry out a deadly attack on a university campus. It highlights potential loopholes in the federal prison system's early release programs and the need for tighter restrictions on inmates with terrorism-related convictions.

The details

Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2017 after pleading guilty to providing material support to the Islamic State group. He was released in December 2024, about 2.5 years early, after completing a federal prison drug treatment program. This early release was allowed under a legal loophole, even though his terrorism conviction should have disqualified him. The federal Bureau of Prisons has since closed this loophole and changed its policies to bar inmates with terrorism-related convictions from receiving early release through the drug treatment program.

  • Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2017.
  • Jalloh was released from federal prison in December 2024, about 2.5 years early.
  • The shooting at Old Dominion University occurred on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh

A former Virginia Army National Guard member who authorities said was taking online classes at Old Dominion University and opened fire in a classroom, killing one person and wounding two others.

Jen Kiggans

A U.S. Representative who represents the congressional district neighboring Old Dominion University.

Liam O'Grady

A U.S. District Judge who sentenced Jalloh to 11 years in prison in 2017.

Anwar al-Awlaki

A well-known American imam who became an al-Qaida propagandist and is described as having radicalized Jalloh.

Jose Rojas

A union official and former correctional worker who disputed the Bureau of Prisons' claim that the union was to blame for the loophole that allowed Jalloh's early release.

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What they’re saying

“The horrific tragedy that occurred today on ODU's campus never should have happened.”

— Jen Kiggans, U.S. Representative

“It's highly insulting to put the blame on the union. We have no say so in that.”

— Jose Rojas, Union official and former correctional worker

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Mohamed Bailor Jalloh's family members to access his sealed sentencing letter, which could provide more insight into his radicalization and the factors that led to the attack.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for stricter oversight and tighter restrictions on early release programs for inmates with terrorism-related convictions, in order to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring in the future and protect public safety.