Army ROTC cadets at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, fatally stabbed a gunman who opened fire during a military science class on March 12, killing their instructor, Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah. The shooter, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a 36-year-old former Army National Guard veteran, had previously been convicted of attempting to aid the Islamic State and was on supervised release at the time of the attack.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The cadets described how Jalloh entered the classroom, asked if it was an ROTC class, then pulled out a Glock handgun and shouted 'Allahu Akbar' before firing. Shah lunged at Jalloh, allowing cadets to subdue the attacker. Cadet Louis Ancheta was grazed by gunfire but continued to stab Jalloh, with other cadets joining in. Jalloh was killed in the struggle.
Deeper Dive & Context
The cadets' actions were captured in a 17-minute video released by the Army ROTC, where they detailed the sequence of events. Shah's intervention was credited with saving lives, as cadets emphasized that his quick response prevented further casualties. Jalloh had been released from prison in 2024 after serving an 11-year sentence for his 2016 conviction.
Authorities classified the attack as terrorism, citing Jalloh's prior convictions and the nature of the assault. The cadets who subdued Jalloh, including Ancheta and Jeremy Rawlinson, received Meritorious Service Medals for their actions. The incident has sparked discussions about campus security and the effectiveness of supervised release for individuals with extremist ties.