FBI Director Kash Patel credited brave students with saving many lives by stopping a gunman who carried out a suspected terror attack at Old Dominion University on Thursday.
“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 response of law enforcement,” Patel said in a social media post.
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
Patel said the students likely saved many lives.
“The FBI is now investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism. Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is fully engaged, embedded with local authorities, and providing all resources necessary in the investigation,” he said. “In the meantime, please pray for the victims, their families, and the ODU community.”
The gunman has been identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Virginia National Guardsman who was convicted in 2016 for conspiring to provide material support for ISIS. The New York Post reported that a student member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) stopped the gunman with a knife. Two ROTC members were injured during the attack.
“We are deeply saddened from the active shooter incident that occurred at Old Dominion University on March 12, 2026. We can confirm that two members of the university ROTC program were shot and were taken to a local hospital to treat their injuries,” U.S. Army Cadet Command said in a statement.
Old Dominion Police Chief Garrett Shelton said that there were three victims in the shooting. Shelton confirmed two victims were transported to the hospital for medical treatment, and the third victim went on their own.
Patel confirmed early on Thursday that the FBI was on the scene and assisting police in investigating the attack.
As a result of the attack, Old Dominion President Brian Hemphill cancelled all classes.
“The safety of our campus community is my top priority. We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times,” he said. “We take this responsibility very seriously and remain vigilant in our efforts to maintain a safe campus. I extend my thoughts and prayers to those impacted.
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