Authorities have identified the gunman behind the Old Dominion University shooting in Norfolk, Virginia, as Mohamed Jalloh, a 36-year-old man who previously served time in prison for providing material support to the terrorist group ISIS, according to senior law enforcement officials.
The shooting, which unfolded Thursday morning on the university's main campus, left one person dead and two others wounded, sending students and staff scrambling for safety and prompting a major emergency response.
Officials confirmed that Jalloh was also found dead at the scene when police arrived, though investigators have not yet released details about how he died.
Shooting Erupts Inside Campus Building
The incident began around 10:50 a.m. on March 12, when gunfire erupted inside Constant Hall, a building located on the Old Dominion University campus.
University officials quickly issued an active threat alert, instructing students to follow "Run, Hide, Fight" safety protocols while emergency responders rushed to the scene.
Two victims were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital shortly after the shooting. Authorities later said both were in stable condition, though they were initially reported to be in critical condition.
According to the U.S. Army Cadet Command, two of the victims are members of the university's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. Officials have not yet released the identities of the victims.
Suspect Had Previous ISIS-Related Conviction
Law enforcement officials say Mohamed Jalloh, who lived in Sterling, Virginia, had previously been convicted of providing material support to ISIS, the extremist group also known as the Islamic State.
Details about the suspect's earlier case have not yet been fully disclosed in connection with the shooting investigation. Authorities are now working to determine whether the prior conviction played any role in Thursday's attack.
Federal investigators, including the FBI, are assisting local authorities as they review the suspect's background and search for a possible motive.
Students Describe Chaotic Scene
Students who were inside the building when the shooting began described moments of panic as alarms sounded and people rushed to escape.
ODU sophomore Logan Hayes said he was taking a test inside Constant Hall when the emergency unfolded.
"The fire alarm went off and we ran out," Hayes told reporters. "As soon as I got outside, I heard a multitude of gunshots go off and people just screaming."
Police quickly secured the area, and the university issued an "all clear" notification later in the afternoon after officers determined there was no ongoing threat.
Campus Closed Following Tragedy
In response to the incident, Old Dominion University canceled classes and operations for the remainder of the day, with the campus scheduled to remain closed the following day as well.
University officials said counseling services would be available for students and staff affected by the shooting.
ODU President Brian O. Hemphill expressed sorrow over the tragedy in a statement released after the incident.
"Earlier today, Old Dominion University faced a tragedy on our main campus," Hemphill said. "The safety of our campus community is my top priority. I extend my thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the incident."
High School Students Also on Campus
Officials also revealed that students from several Norfolk high schools were visiting the university for a SOAR campus tour when the shooting occurred.
School officials said the visiting students were sheltered in place during the emergency and were later confirmed to be safe.
Authorities asked parents and the public to avoid the campus area while emergency responders continued their investigation.
Investigation Ongoing
Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University enrolls about 24,000 students and is known for its strong ties to the military community. Nearly 30 percent of its students are military-affiliated, and the university sits near Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world.
As investigators continue to examine the background of the suspect and the circumstances surrounding the attack, officials have not yet announced a clear motive.
The shooting has once again raised concerns about campus safety and the broader challenge of preventing acts of violence in places meant for learning and community.
For many people of faith, tragedies like this serve as a sobering reminder of the need for compassion, vigilance, and prayer for peace in communities across the nation.
Authorities say the investigation into the Old Dominion University shooting remains ongoing.
