 |
| Police respond to a shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. |
Old Dominion University Shooting: Gunman With Islamic State Ties Had Been Released From Prison Two Years Earlier
A tragic shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk has sparked national debate after authorities confirmed that the gunman had previously been convicted for attempting to support the extremist group Islamic State.
Court records reveal that the attacker, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was released from federal prison in late 2024—less than two years before carrying out the deadly attack inside a classroom on Thursday.
The incident left one person dead and two others injured, raising serious concerns about the conditions of Jalloh’s early release and post-prison supervision.
Deadly Shooting at Old Dominion University
Authorities say Jalloh opened fire inside a classroom at Old Dominion University before several students in the university’s ROTC program confronted him. The ROTC students ultimately subdued and killed the attacker.
The shooting killed Brandon A. Shah, an Army lieutenant colonel who served as a professor of military science and chair of the university’s ROTC department.
According to Dan Driscoll, two other individuals injured in the attack were members of the U.S. Army. One victim remains in critical condition, while another was treated and later released from the hospital.
Political Reaction and Public Concerns
The attack quickly prompted criticism from lawmakers questioning why someone previously convicted of supporting a terrorist organization was free.
Jen Kiggans condemned the incident, stating the tragedy “never should have happened.”
Many officials are now asking why Jalloh was released earlier than expected and whether supervision measures were sufficient to prevent the attack.
Previous Terrorism Conviction
Jalloh pleaded guilty in October 2016 to providing material support to the Islamic State. A federal judge sentenced him in 2017 to 11 years in prison, with credit for time already served following his July 2016 arrest.
However, federal records show he was released on December 23, 2024, and placed on supervised release similar to probation. That supervision period was expected to continue until 2029.
It remains unclear why his prison term was shortened.
Undercover FBI Sting Operation
Jalloh’s arrest in 2016 came after a three-month undercover operation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
During the investigation:
Jalloh confessed to an undercover FBI agent that he was considering an attack similar to the 2009 Fort Hood shooting.
He attempted to donate $500 to ISIS, but the funds went to an FBI-controlled account.
He tried to purchase an AR-15 style rifle from a Virginia gun store but initially lacked proper paperwork.
According to court documents, he later returned and bought a different rifle. Authorities had secretly rendered the weapon inoperable before he left the store, and he was arrested the following day.
Debate Over Sentencing Length
At the time of sentencing, federal prosecutors requested 20 years in prison, arguing that Jalloh repeatedly attempted to support ISIS and had tried to acquire a weapon to carry out a planned attack.
Prosecutors said he framed violence against U.S. military personnel as a religious duty and showed strong commitment to extremist ideology.
However, Jalloh’s defense team requested a 6½-year sentence, citing substance abuse and mental health struggles.
U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady ultimately sentenced him to 11 years in prison.
Radicalization and Personal Struggles
Court records describe Jalloh as having been radicalized by the late extremist cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.
Jalloh had previously served in the Virginia Army National Guard from 2009 to 2015 before leaving the military.
In a letter to the judge before sentencing, he expressed regret and claimed he rejected terrorism. He also admitted struggling with drug use after a long-term relationship ended.
He wrote that he used substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and psychedelic mushrooms daily to cope with emotional pain.
Renewed Questions About Prison Release Policies
The attack has renewed scrutiny over federal prison policies, particularly those involving inmates convicted of terrorism-related crimes.
While some inmates can reduce sentences through good behavior or rehabilitation programs, terrorism-related convictions usually limit eligibility for such reductions under reforms like the First Step Act.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any specific program or credit contributed to Jalloh’s early release.
Conclusion
The Old Dominion University shooting has reignited debate about the balance between criminal justice reform, prisoner rehabilitation, and national security.
With one life lost and others injured, officials are now examining whether stronger monitoring or longer sentences might have prevented the attack by a previously convicted extremist.
Investigations are ongoing as law enforcement agencies review the events leading up to the tragedy.
FAQ
What happened at Old Dominion University?
A gunman opened fire inside a classroom at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. The attacker was subdued by ROTC students, but one instructor was killed and two Army personnel were injured.
Who was the Old Dominion University shooter?
Authorities identified the attacker as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former U.S. Army National Guard member previously convicted of attempting to provide support to the Islamic State.
When was the shooter released from prison?
Jalloh was released from federal prison on December 23, 2024, after serving part of an 11-year sentence for terrorism-related charges.
Who was the victim in the shooting?
The victim killed was Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah, a U.S. Army officer and ROTC instructor at Old Dominion University.
Why was the shooter previously imprisoned?
He pleaded guilty in 2016 to providing material support to ISIS after an FBI sting operation uncovered his attempts to fund the group and purchase a weapon for a potential attack.
.jpg)
0 Comments