A gunman who opened fire at a university in the United States reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before launching the attack, according to the FBI.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where one person was killed and two others injured.
Authorities say the suspect was subdued by student military officers before he later died.The suspect was identified as 36 year old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former member of the Virginia National Guard. FBI officials said he had previously served time in prison after pleading guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide support to the Islamic State group.
He was sentenced in 2017 and released in 2024.
FBI special agent Dominique Evans said the attacker opened fire inside a classroom before members of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps overpowered him. Evans praised the students, stating their actions likely prevented further casualties.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger identified the victim who died as Lt Col Brandon Shah, an ROTC instructor.
She described him as a dedicated officer who devoted his life to serving the country and mentoring future military leaders.Two other people were injured in the attack.
One victim was reported to be in critical condition while the other received treatment and was later discharged from hospital.
University police said officers responded to reports of gunfire inside Constant Hall, which houses the institution’s business school.
By the time law enforcement arrived, the suspect had already died after being subdued by students.
Authorities also revealed that Jalloh had previously expressed interest in carrying out an attack similar to the 2009 Fort Hood shooting in Texas, which killed 13 people.
Investigators are treating the university shooting as a suspected act of terrorism.
About The Author
