Flags to Be Lowered for ODU Shooting Victim

Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah killed in campus attack

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:50pm

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Governor Abigail Spanberger has ordered flags in Virginia to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, March 14, to honor Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, who was killed in a shooting at Old Dominion University on March 12.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Lieutenant Colonel Shah, a respected military officer, has shaken the community and prompted a response from the state's top elected official to pay tribute to his life and service.

The details

According to the Office of Governor Abigail Spanberger, the flags of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia will be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in Virginia starting at sunrise on Saturday, March 14, to honor Lieutenant Colonel Shah.

  • Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah was killed in a shooting at ODU on Thursday, March 12.
  • The flags will be flown at half-staff on Saturday, March 14.

The players

Governor Abigail Spanberger

The current governor of Virginia who ordered the flags to be lowered in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Shah.

Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah

A military officer who was killed in a shooting at Old Dominion University on March 12.

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The takeaway

The tragic loss of Lieutenant Colonel Shah has prompted a show of respect and mourning from the state's leadership, underscoring the impact his death has had on the community.