BREAKING NEWS: ODU Professor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah Identified as Victim in Campus Shooting
NORFOLK, Va. — Authorities have officially identified the victim of Thursday’s tragic shooting at Old Dominion University as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a respected faculty member and military veteran. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the Norfolk community, occurred inside a classroom where Shah was reportedly teaching at the time.
The Incident
The shooting took place on the afternoon of March 12, 2026, prompting an immediate campus-wide lockdown. Police arrived on the scene within minutes, but despite life-saving efforts, Shah succumbed to his injuries. The university confirmed that the shooter was taken into custody shortly after the incident, though a motive has not yet been established.
A Legacy of Service
Lt. Col. Shah was a prominent figure on campus, known for his dedication to his students and his distinguished military career. Colleagues and students have begun laying flowers and holding vigils near the site of the tragedy.
- Role: Professor at Old Dominion University.
- Background: Highly decorated Lieutenant Colonel with years of military service.
- Community Impact: Described by students as a mentor who was “deeply committed to the success of others.”
Tributes Pour In
As news of his identity spread, tributes from local leaders and the ODU community flooded social media. “Our hearts are broken,” ODU President stated in a late-night press release. “Lt. Col. Shah was not just an educator; he was a hero who dedicated his life to serving his country and inspiring the next generation.”
“He was the kind of professor who stayed late to make sure you understood the material. He cared about us as people, not just students.” — Anonymous ODU Student.
Campus Support
Old Dominion University has canceled all classes for the remainder of the week. Counseling services have been made available to students, faculty, and staff as the campus mourns the loss of one of its own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah? Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was the Professor of Military Science and Department Chair for the Army ROTC “Monarch Battalion” at Old Dominion University. A highly decorated Army officer and senior aviator, he served for over 20 years, including combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was an ODU alumnus (Class of 2007) and held an MBA from the University of Georgia.
What happened during the incident? On the morning of March 12, 2026, a gunman entered a classroom in Constant Hall (ODU’s business school building). After confirming it was an ROTC class, he opened fire. Two other victims were injured in the attack; one remains in critical condition, while the other was treated and released.
Who was the shooter? Authorities identified the gunman as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a 36-year-old former Virginia Army National Guardsman. Jalloh had a prior federal conviction from 2016 for attempting to provide material support to ISIS and had been released from prison in December 2024.
How was the threat neutralized? In an extraordinary act of bravery, a group of Army ROTC students in the classroom personaly subdued the gunman. Reports indicate the suspect was killed during the struggle (one report mentions a student using a knife) before he could cause further casualties. The FBI and local police credited these students with saving numerous lives.
Is this being investigated as terrorism? Yes. FBI Director Kash Patel and local officials confirmed the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Witnesses reported the shooter shouted “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire, and his prior history of ISIS-related radicalization is a central focus of the probe.
What is the current status of the ODU campus? ODU canceled all classes and suspended operations on the main campus through the end of the week. Counseling services and support resources have been made available to all students and faculty at the Office of Counseling Services: (757) 683-4401.
Reference Link
For the most current updates and official statements, you can refer to the primary news coverage here:
11Alive – ODU ROTC Instructor Identified in Campus Shooting