Authorities have identified the suspect as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh.
A shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia on March 12 is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
One person was killed, and two others were injured during the incident. The suspected gunman is also dead after being subdued by students.
In a post on X, Patel said the FBI has launched a terrorism investigation.
Earlier today, an armed individual opened fire at Old Dominion University, leaving one person dead and two others wounded. The shooter is now deceased thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him – actions that undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 12, 2026
“Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is fully engaged, embedded with local authorities, and providing all resources necessary in the investigation,” he wrote.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh.
According to the FBI, Jalloh pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the ISIS terrorist group.
Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was released from federal custody in December 2024.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she is closely monitoring the investigation.
“Virginia State Police is on the scene and providing full support to local and federal officials,” Spanberger said. “Members of my administration are also there and coordinating closely with our partners as the investigation continues.
“I want to thank the first responders, the Norfolk Police Department, the Old Dominion University Police Department, and all agencies that responded quickly.”
Spanberger also said she spoke with Old Dominion University President Brian Hemphill to express her support and offer “deepest condolences to the university community.”
During a news conference Thursday afternoon, Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton said officers responded after reports of a shooting inside a classroom at Constant Hall, the university’s business school building.
The university initially reported two victims, but Shelton later said authorities learned of a third person who took themselves to a hospital.
Officials have not yet determined how the suspected shooter died, and Shelton did not confirm whether any officers fired their weapons.
All three victims are affiliated with the university, he said.
Shelton added that the investigation is still in its early stages and authorities have not yet determined the shooter’s exact cause of death.
According to Shelton, less than 10 minutes passed between the initial emergency call, officers arriving on the scene, and confirmation that the shooter was dead.
