ROTC Students Subdue Gunman After Deadly Shooting at U.S. University

FBI Investigates Incident as Possible Terror Attack

Student military trainees at a university in the United States have been praised for their bravery after they subdued a gunman who opened fire inside a classroom, killing one person and injuring two others.

Authorities said the incident occurred at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where members of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) confronted and restrained the attacker before law enforcement officers arrived.

Officials later confirmed that the suspect also died during the confrontation.

Akahi News gathered that investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are treating the incident as a possible act of terrorism.

Instructor Killed, Two Others Injured in Classroom Attack

According to officials, the deceased victim has been identified as Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, an instructor involved in training ROTC students at the university.

Virginia State Governor Abigail Spanberger paid tribute to the officer, describing him as a devoted serviceman who dedicated his life to guiding and mentoring future military leaders.

Two other victims were injured during the shooting. Authorities said one of them was initially reported to be in critical condition, while the other was treated and later released from hospital.

Law enforcement sources revealed that the suspect entered a classroom in Constant Hall, the university’s business school building, and reportedly asked whether the session was an ROTC class. After receiving confirmation, he allegedly opened fire.

Police officers responding to emergency calls later discovered that the attacker had already been subdued by students undergoing military training.

Suspect Identified as Former National Guard Member

Investigators identified the suspect as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, aged 36, a former member of the Virginia National Guard.

Officials said Jalloh had previously served a prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2017 to attempting to provide support to the extremist group known as the Islamic State.

He had reportedly been released from prison in 2024.

Authorities disclosed that the suspect allegedly shouted a religious phrase before carrying out the attack, after which students in the classroom managed to restrain him during the chaos that followed.

FBI officials said the suspect was subdued by the ROTC trainees, although details of how he died during the struggle were not fully disclosed.

FBI Praises Students for Preventing Greater Tragedy

Officials from the FBI commended the students for their courage, stating that their quick action likely prevented a far more devastating outcome.

The agency’s Norfolk office described the ROTC members as “brave” and acknowledged that their response helped stop the attacker before more casualties could occur.

Akahi News learnt that the students involved were part of a leadership training programme designed to prepare university students for future military service.

The programme combines academic education with military training and leadership development.

Questions on Security and Radicalisation

The incident has once again raised concerns about campus security, extremist radicalisation, and the challenges of monitoring individuals who have previously been convicted of terrorism-related offences.

Observers have asked whether systems currently in place are sufficient to track potential threats after individuals are released from prison.

But beyond the security debate lies a deeper philosophical question: how does a society balance justice, rehabilitation, and public safety?

If someone has served their sentence, should they be treated as fully rehabilitated, or should authorities maintain long-term surveillance to prevent potential threats?

And when ordinary students are forced to confront violence inside classrooms meant for learning, what does that say about the changing realities of modern security?

A Moment of Courage Amid Tragedy

While the investigation continues, the actions of the ROTC students have drawn national attention as an example of courage under extreme pressure.

Their intervention, officials believe, prevented further loss of life.

In moments of crisis, individuals sometimes act with unexpected bravery, raising another reflection: is courage something that is taught through discipline and training, or is it revealed only when ordinary people are confronted with extraordinary circumstances?

For the university community mourning the loss of an instructor and recovering from the shock of the attack, that question may remain part of the broader reflection on a tragic day.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News www.akahinews.org