A shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia on March 12 is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
One person was killed, and two others were injured during the incident. The suspected gunman is also dead after being subdued by students.
In a post on X, Patel said the FBI has launched a terrorism investigation.
“Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is fully engaged, embedded with local authorities, and providing all resources necessary in the investigation,” he wrote.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh.
According to the FBI, Jalloh pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the ISIS terrorist group.
Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was released from federal custody in December 2024.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she is closely monitoring the investigation.
“Virginia State Police is on the scene and providing full support to local and federal officials,” Spanberger said. “Members of my administration are also there and coordinating closely with our partners as the investigation continues.
“I want to thank the first responders, the Norfolk Police Department, the Old Dominion University Police Department, and all agencies that responded quickly.”
Spanberger also said she spoke with Old Dominion University President Brian Hemphill to express her support and offer “deepest condolences to the university community.”
During a news conference Thursday afternoon, Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton said officers responded after reports of a shooting inside a classroom at Constant Hall, the university’s business school building.
The university initially reported two victims, but Shelton later said authorities learned of a third person who took themselves to a hospital.
Officials have not yet determined how the suspected shooter died, and Shelton did not confirm whether any officers fired their weapons.
All three victims are affiliated with the university, he said.
Shelton added that the investigation is still in its early stages and authorities have not yet determined the shooter’s exact cause of death.
According to Shelton, less than 10 minutes passed between the initial emergency call, officers arriving on the scene, and confirmation that the shooter was dead.
Lt. Col. Jimmy Delongchamp, a public information officer for the U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky, told The Associated Press that two of the wounded individuals are members of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Old Dominion University.
The public university, located in Norfolk, Virginia, canceled classes and suspended operations on its main campus through Friday.
Officials urged people to avoid the area around Constant Hall while emergency personnel continued their work. Counseling and food services will remain available.
In a message to the university community, President Brian Hemphill called the incident a tragedy.
He thanked emergency responders for their swift action and offered prayers and support to those affected.
“The safety of our campus community is my top priority,” Hemphill wrote. “We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
