ROTC Student Stops Former ISIS Supporter in Old Dominion University Shooting

One fatality and two injuries reported after gunman Mohamed Jalloh opened fire on campus

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:03am

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A routine Thursday morning at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia was suddenly interrupted when Mohamed Jalloh, a former Army National Guardsman who previously served prison time for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, opened fire on campus. The shooting resulted in one fatality and two injuries, but was stopped by a heroic ROTC student who fatally stabbed Jalloh.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the potential for individuals with extremist views to carry out planned attacks, even after serving prison time. It also demonstrates the importance of vigilant campus security and the ability of trained students to respond decisively in crisis situations to mitigate harm.

The details

According to law enforcement, Jalloh, 36, shouted 'Allahu Akbar' before opening fire. The ROTC student who stopped him was able to fatally stab Jalloh, preventing further violence. Jalloh had become radicalized after consuming extremist propaganda and had previously attempted to procure weapons and donate money to ISIS in 2016, leading to his arrest and 11-year prison sentence.

  • The shooting occurred on a routine Thursday morning at Old Dominion University.
  • Jalloh attempted to provide material support to ISIS in 2016, leading to his arrest on July 3, 2016 and a guilty plea later that year.
  • Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release in October 2017.

The players

Mohamed Jalloh

A 36-year-old former Army National Guardsman who previously served prison time for attempting to provide material support to ISIS.

ROTC Student

A heroic ROTC student who fatally stabbed Jalloh, preventing further violence.

Dominique Evans

FBI Special Agent In Charge who stated that the brave ROTC members in the room subdued Jalloh, and if not for them, he's not sure what else Jalloh may have done.

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What they’re saying

“Brave ROTC members in that room subdued him, and if not for them, I'm not sure what else he may have done.”

— Dominique Evans, FBI Special Agent In Charge

What’s next

Authorities have stated there is currently no ongoing threat to the Old Dominion University campus community, but investigations continue into the role that early release programs may play in assessing and managing the risks posed by individuals with a history of extremist views.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing threat of radicalization and the importance of vigilant campus security, as well as the potential for trained students to respond decisively in crisis situations to save lives.