{ "id": "2026-03-12-old-dominion-university-shooting", "slug": "old-dominion-university-shooting-2026-03-12", "institution": { "name": "Old Dominion University", "shortName": "ODU", "state": "VA", "type": "public-r1", "alertSystemName": "ODU Urgent Alert", "enrollment": 24000 }, "incident": { "date": "2026-03-12", "type": "active-shooter", "cleryCategory": "emergency-notification", "resolution": "confirmed-threat", "headline": "ROTC instructor killed in a classroom attack; cadets subdued the gunman", "headlinePublic": "ROTC instructor killed in a classroom attack; cadets subdued the gunman", "summary": "On March 12, 2026, a [gunman opened fire on an ROTC class in Constant Hall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Old_Dominion_University_shooting) at Old Dominion University at approximately 10:43 AM EDT, killing one instructor and wounding two cadets. The [assailant, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was subdued and fatally stabbed by ROTC students](https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/12/us/old-dominion-university-shooting-virginia) before police arrived. The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism.", "outcome": "Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah, 42, the ROTC department chair for military sciences, was killed after lunging at the shooter to place himself between the gunman and the class. Two ROTC cadets were injured. The gunman, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, was fatally stabbed (not shot) by ROTC students who subdued him. The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism; Jalloh had a prior federal conviction for attempting to provide material support to ISIS and was released from prison in 2024. Eight cadets later received Meritorious Service Medals and two received Purple Hearts.", "casualties": { "killed": 1, "injured": 2 } }, "alerts": [ { "sequence": 1, "type": "initial", "timestamp": "2026-03-12T10:50:00-04:00", "channel": "push-notification", "verbatimText": "ODU Urgent Alert: Active threat reported at Constant Hall. Follow Run-Hide-Fight protocols. Emergency personnel responding. Avoid area.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://www.odu.edu/forever-monarch-strong/messages-alerts", "sourceDescription": "@ODU official Messages & Alerts archive (Forever Monarch Strong)", "annotations": [ "Corrected to exact text from ODU Messages & Alerts archive (3-12-26 (10:48 a.m.))." ], "characterCount": 135 }, { "sequence": 2, "type": "update", "timestampApprox": "Late morning EDT on Thursday, March 12, 2026, after the threat was neutralized", "channel": "push-notification", "verbatimText": "Due to an active shooter situation in which the shooter has been neutralized, all classes and operations on the main campus are suspended for the remainder of the day (Thursday, March 12, 2026). Avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency officials continue to work. An update will be provided as soon as possible.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://www.odu.edu/forever-monarch-strong/messages-alerts", "sourceDescription": "@ODU official Messages & Alerts archive (Forever Monarch Strong)", "annotations": [ "Corrected to exact text from ODU Messages & Alerts archive (3-12-26 (11:30 a.m.))." ], "characterCount": 329 }, { "sequence": 3, "type": "all-clear", "timestamp": "2026-03-12T12:05:00-04:00", "channel": "push-notification", "verbatimText": "O.D.U. Urgent Alert: This is an all clear notification. The emergency at Constant Hall has ended. There is no longer an active threat to the campus community. Avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency officials continue to work.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://www.odu.edu/forever-monarch-strong/messages-alerts", "sourceDescription": "@ODU official Messages & Alerts archive (Forever Monarch Strong)", "annotations": [ "Corrected to exact text from ODU Messages & Alerts archive (3-12-26 (12:05 p.m.))." ], "characterCount": 245 }, { "sequence": 4, "type": "update", "timestamp": "2026-03-12T13:43:00-04:00", "channel": "push-notification", "verbatimText": "O.D.U. Urgent Alert: In an effort to provide counseling services and other support for the campus and the community, Old Dominion University will be closed tomorrow (Friday, March 13, 2026) at all locations. Classes are cancelled, and operations are suspended.\n\nOn Friday, March 13, 2026, counselors will be on the main campus and available from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Student counseling will be available in Broderick Dining Commons. Faculty, staff, and community counseling will be available in Student Government Chambers at Webb Center. Food services will be available for those remaining in campus housing.\n\nContinue to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall as the investigation is ongoing.", "sourceUrl": "https://www.odu.edu/forever-monarch-strong/messages-alerts", "sourceDescription": "ODU Forever Monarch Strong messages & alerts archive (1:43 p.m. Friday closure)", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "annotations": [ "Exact O.D.U. Urgent Alert text from official ODU Forever Monarch Strong archive for 1:43 p.m. March 12" ], "characterCount": 707 }, { "sequence": 5, "type": "update", "timestampApprox": "~10:49–11:00 a.m. EDT March 12, 2026", "channel": "website", "verbatimText": "Shortly before 10:49 a.m., a gunman in Constant Hall opened fire. Two people were injured. Old Dominion University Police, Norfolk Police and emergency personnel responded; immediately. The gunman is now deceased. The injured were transported to a local hospital.\n\nOld Dominion University has canceled classes and operations on main campus for the remainder of the day. Please avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency personnel continue to work. Next update will be provided at 12:15 p.m.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://www.odu.edu/forever-monarch-strong/messages-alerts", "sourceDescription": "ODU Forever Monarch Strong messages & alerts (incident details)", "annotations": [ "Exact text from ODU official Messages & Alerts archive" ], "characterCount": 506 }, { "sequence": 6, "type": "update", "timestampApprox": "~11:43 a.m. EDT March 12, 2026", "channel": "website", "verbatimText": "As of 11:43 a.m., there is no longer a threat at Old Dominion University. Please continue to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency personnel continue to work.\n\nAs a reminder, Old Dominion University has canceled classes and operations on main campus for the remainder of the day, March 12, 2026. The next update will be at 12:30 p.m.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://www.odu.edu/forever-monarch-strong/messages-alerts", "sourceDescription": "ODU Forever Monarch Strong messages & alerts (11:43 a.m.)", "annotations": [ "Exact text from ODU official Messages & Alerts archive" ], "characterCount": 354 }, { "sequence": 7, "type": "update", "timestampApprox": "~1:45 p.m. EDT March 12, 2026", "channel": "website", "verbatimText": "1:45 p.m. Continue to avoid the area in and around Constant Hall as the investigation is ongoing.\n\nIn an effort to provide counseling services and other support for the campus and the community, Old Dominion University will be closed tomorrow (Friday, March 13, 2026) at all locations. Classes are cancelled, and operations are suspended.\n\nOn Friday, March 13, 2026, counselors will be on the main campus and available from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Student counseling will be available in Broderick Dining Commons. Faculty, staff, and community counseling will be available in Student Government Chambers at Webb Center. Food services will be available for those remaining in campus housing.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://www.odu.edu/forever-monarch-strong/messages-alerts", "sourceDescription": "ODU Forever Monarch Strong messages & alerts (1:45 p.m.)", "annotations": [ "Exact text from ODU official Messages & Alerts archive", "Corrected 2026-07-19: restored double space after \"Dining Commons.\" from official HTML (  + space)." ], "characterCount": 695 }, { "sequence": 8, "type": "update", "timestampApprox": "March 12, 2026 afternoon — President Hemphill community email", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "Dear Monarchs: \n\nEarlier today, March 12, 2026, Old Dominion University faced a tragedy on our main campus. I am grateful for the swift response of our police officers, emergency management personnel, and our partners at the City of Norfolk who promptly assisted the injured. \n \nDue to the incident, Old Dominion University has canceled classes and suspended operations on main campus for the remainder of the day, March 12, 2026. Due to the ongoing investigation, please avoid the area in and around Constant Hall and continue to follow instructions from ODU Alerts. Family Information Center is available in Chartway Arena’s Big Blue Room. \n \nStudents, faculty and staff are encouraged to go to Broderick Dining Commons for lunch and counseling support. Talk Campus—a 24/7 peer support community—and other online counseling services and resources are also available for students at www.odu.edu/counseling-services. More information will be provided by the Division of Student and Campus Life. For immediate assistance, please call 757-683-4401. Additional updates will be shared through ODU Alerts and posted on the ODU homepage at www.odu.edu. \n \nThe safety of our campus community is my top priority. We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times. We take this responsibility very seriously and remain vigilant in our efforts to maintain a safe campus. I extend my thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the incident, as well as the entire campus and the broader community. \n \nSincerely, \n\nBrian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. \nPresident", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://www.odu.edu/president/article/message-from-president-hemphill", "sourceDescription": "ODU President Hemphill community email March 12, 2026", "annotations": [ "Exact text from official ODU president article; community-wide administrative email" ], "characterCount": 1618 }, { "sequence": 9, "type": "update", "channel": "email", "timestampApprox": "March 12, 2026 afternoon", "verbatimText": "Dear Members of the Old Dominion University Campus Community: \n \nAs tragedy struck the main campus earlier today when a lone gunman entered Constant Hall and opened fire in a classroom, we join together to pay tribute to our fellow Monarch who was lost and the two students who were injured. We recognize members of our campus and community who were deeply impacted by this senseless act of violence. And, we acknowledge the quick response and direct support from campus, city, state, and federal police officers and emergency responders.\n\n \n\nIn the days, weeks, and months to come, we will continue to provide resources to our campus and our community. I encourage all Monarchs to utilize the available services as they can truly make a difference during this difficult time. And, while this tragedy has changed us as individuals and as an institution, we will continue to focus on providing a safe and supportive environment, while also sharing updates as new information emerges. \n \nWith Deepest Sympathy,\n\nBrian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. \nPresident", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://www.odu.edu/president/article/deepest-sympathy-and-heartfelt-condolences", "sourceDescription": "ODU President Hemphill condolence email March 12, 2026", "annotations": [ "Exact community-wide administrative email from odu.edu/president during emergency aftermath" ], "characterCount": 1050 }, { "sequence": 10, "type": "update", "channel": "email", "timestampApprox": "March 13, 2026", "verbatimText": "Dear Members of the Old Dominion University Campus Community:\n\nFollowing the horrific tragedy and senseless act of violence that occurred in Constant Hall on the morning of March 12, 2026, we pay tribute to one of our very own, Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah ’07, a dedicated Monarch, public servant, and true hero.\n\nAbove all else, Lt. Col. Shah embodied what it means to be a devoted family man, a revered leader, and heroic protector even in his final moments. He was a shining example for his students and all Monarchs.\n\nLt. Col. Shah was a beloved and respected leader at Old Dominion University. He personally guided students in the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion through his caring spirit and combat experience.\n\nAfter enlisting in the Army in 2003, Lt. Col. Shah enrolled at Old Dominion University in 2005. He received his Army commission and graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He fulfilled his dream to be an Army pilot, flying an AH64 Apache over Iraq, Afghanistan, and Eastern Europe during Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Atlantic Resolve.\n\nLt. Col. Shah logged more than 1,200 hours, 600 of them on combat missions, in three aircraft. In his last position before joining Old Dominion University, he served as Director of Operations for the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade in Savannah, Georgia, where he oversaw day-to-day operations, training, modernization and long-range plans.\n\nIn 2022, Lt. Col. Shah returned to Old Dominion University to lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion, where he oversaw a nearly 50% increase in enrollment during his first year. As Professor of Military Science and Department Chair, he took immense pride in his students, particularly seeing the transformation they made “when they turn from being a student into being a soldier-leader.”\n\nIn 2023, Lt. Col. Shah was named to the Old Dominion University Alumni Association’s 40 Under 40 Class. His presence and impact were felt on campus from bringing back the University’s rappelling exercise at S.B. Ballard Stadium in 2023 to imparting valuable life lessons at commissioning ceremonies for new military officers.\n\nTogether, as Monarchs, we mourn the devasting loss of Lt. Col. Shah as we honor his life, which was marked by significant service and countless contributions. We express our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, loved ones, dear friends, trusted colleagues, and all of those impacted by this horrific tragedy.\n\nWith Deepest Sympathy,\n\nBrian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. \nPresident", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://www.odu.edu/president/article/paying-tribute-brandon-shah", "sourceDescription": "ODU President Hemphill tribute to Lt. Col. Shah March 13, 2026", "annotations": [ "Exact community-wide administrative email from odu.edu/president during emergency aftermath" ], "characterCount": 2535 }, { "sequence": 11, "type": "update", "channel": "email", "timestampApprox": "2026-03-19", "verbatimText": "Dear Members of the Old Dominion University Campus Community: \n \nAs Monarchs, we have experienced a range of emotions in the aftermath of a horrific tragedy that struck our campus a week ago today. I invite you, in your own way, to observe a personal moment of silence at any point today in reflection and unity of what it means to be Monarch Strong. With our collective and individual efforts to process and understand this senseless act of violence, we are grieving together. That important process will continue as we prepare to reunite this coming Monday (March 23, 2026) following Spring Break. \n \nWe continue to focus on honoring the life and legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Brandon A. Shah ’07. The family has announced a celebration of life service to be held this Sunday (March 22, 2026) beginning at 1:00 PM in Chartway Arena. This service, organized by the Shah family with support from Presidential Funeral Services of Portsmouth, is open to all Old Dominion University students, faculty, and staff. \n \nThe Army, in conjunction with Old Dominion University, is currently planning an on-campus event to be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026 with a traditional 21-gun salute, which is revered as the highest military honor and a symbolic ceremonial tribute. Event details, once finalized, will be shared with the campus community. I hope you will be able to attend what will be a touching tribute to Lt. Col. Shah, an Old Dominion University alumnus, who in every aspect of his life personified the Monarch values of integrity, leadership, and service. \n \nI also want to recognize the cadets in the classroom. Their actions, under unimaginable circumstances, saved lives and embodied the very leadership and selflessness that Lt. Col. Shah instilled in them and so many others. They are true warriors and are to be recognized for their bravery and courage! \n \nFor many of you, this coming Monday will be your first time back on campus since the tragedy on March 12, 2026. It will be important to talk through this experience with each other. The University is offering in-person and online support resources, including but not limited to drop-in counseling in Webb Student Center. Please visit https://www.odu.edu/emergency/emergency-alert/support-resources for specific details. \n \nAs we prepare to come back together on Monday, we are also taking additional steps that reflect both the seriousness of this tragedy and our shared responsibility for one another’s safety. As part of our ongoing, comprehensive approach to campus safety and security that includes both established protocols and continuous evaluation, we will be asking all students to complete a brief questionnaire related to their personal history and campus awareness. \n \nWhile this is not a routine step, it reflects our commitment to thoughtfully consider every appropriate measure that serves the well-being of our community. We will not hesitate to take additional or non-traditional steps when they are warranted to support the safety of our campus community. \n \nOnce again, I express my sincere appreciation to the entire community, which has responded to this horrific tragedy with an outpouring of compassion, resilience, and unity. We have rallied around the people and the University that we all care about deeply. And, with an independent review of safety and security to be conducted in the near future, we will have discussions about what else can or should be done, and I have no doubt that we will continue to learn and reflect together. \n \nI would like to close by sharing with you one special aspect of Lt. Col. Shah’s remarkable story and long-lasting impact. When his assignment at Old Dominion University was set to conclude, he asked the Army to extend it, because he wanted to stay on our campus and continue to lead the cadets and the program he cared about so deeply. Without question, he made the ultimate sacrifice at and for our University, because this is the place he wanted to be, while leading and teaching the next generation. Indeed, that is the definition of a remarkable life grounded in sacrifice and service above all else. \n \nAs we move forward together, we cannot and will not simply move on. We will carry with us the incredible impact and lasting memory of Lieutenant Colonel Brandon A. Shah ’07. We will boldly and proudly honor his sacrifice, as well as the actions of the warriors who were in the room with him. We will strive to emulate the example they all set to be Monarch Strong, while we embark on a healing journey. \n \nForever Monarch Strong,\n\nBrian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. \nPresident", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://www.odu.edu/president/article/honoring-lieutenant-colonel-brandon-a-shah-07-memorial-service-information", "sourceDescription": "ODU President memorial service community email March 19, 2026", "annotations": [ "Exact community-wide admin email from odu.edu/president" ], "characterCount": 4626 } ], "context": "On March 12, 2026, CCTV footage showed that [Mohamed Bailor Jalloh parked his car on the Old Dominion University campus at approximately 9:40 AM EDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Old_Dominion_University_shooting). At around 10:43 AM EDT, he entered Constant Hall and opened fire on an ROTC class, yelling 'Allahu Akbar.' He killed Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah, 42, the department chair for military sciences and a retired Army officer from Staunton, Virginia, and wounded two ROTC cadets. [ROTC students subdued the gunman and fatally stabbed him](https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/old-dominion-university-issues-active-threat-at-constant-hall/) before police arrived at 10:47 AM EDT. The university issued a Run-Hide-Fight ODU Urgent Alert at approximately 10:50 AM EDT, minutes after the first 911 calls. By 10:50 AM EDT, it was determined the [assailant was deceased](https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/norfolk/timeline-of-events-surrounding-shooting-at-old-dominion-university). The all-clear was issued at 12:05 PM EDT. Jalloh, 36, was a naturalized US citizen born in Sierra Leone and a former Army National Guard member. He had [pleaded guilty in 2017 to attempting to provide material support to ISIS](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/old-dominion-university-shooting-norfolk-virginia/) and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was released from federal custody in December 2024. The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism. The attack triggered copycat [bomb threats at five Virginia universities](https://www.vpm.org/2026-03-12/odu-norfolk-campus-shooting-fbi-hemphill-monarchs) the following day.", "keyFindings": [ "ROTC students subdued and killed the gunman before police arrived, limiting the death toll", "The entire active shooting lasted approximately seven minutes from first shots to the gunman being neutralized", "The attacker had a prior federal terrorism conviction and had been released from prison 15 months before the attack", "The shooting triggered copycat bomb threats at multiple Virginia universities the next day" ], "responseTimeMinutes": 4, "sources": [ { "title": "2026 Old Dominion University shooting (Wikipedia)", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Old_Dominion_University_shooting", "type": "other" }, { "title": "Terror suspect in deadly Old Dominion shooting subdued by students (CNN)", "url": "https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/12/us/old-dominion-university-shooting-virginia", "type": "local-media" }, { "title": "Students render gunman no longer alive after campus shooting (WAVY)", "url": "https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/old-dominion-university-issues-active-threat-at-constant-hall/", "type": "local-media" }, { "title": "Timeline of events surrounding shooting at Old Dominion University (WTKR)", "url": "https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/norfolk/timeline-of-events-surrounding-shooting-at-old-dominion-university", "type": "local-media" }, { "title": "FBI investigates deadly ODU shooting as possible act of terrorism (13News Now)", "url": "https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/mycity/norfolk/odu-issues-active-threat-at-constant-hall/291-5f7b11d7-9fba-4a75-9363-d43522e76e01", "type": "local-media" }, { "title": "Old Dominion gunman previously convicted for ISIS support (CBS News)", "url": "https://www.cbsnews.com/news/old-dominion-university-shooting-norfolk-virginia/", "type": "local-media" }, { "title": "Messages & Alerts — ODU Forever Monarch Strong", "url": "https://www.odu.edu/forever-monarch-strong/messages-alerts", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "ODU official message", "url": "https://www.odu.edu/president/article/message-from-president-hemphill", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "ODU President Hemphill condolence email March 12, 2026", "url": "https://www.odu.edu/president/article/deepest-sympathy-and-heartfelt-condolences", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "ODU President Hemphill tribute to Lt. Col. Shah March 13, 2026", "url": "https://www.odu.edu/president/article/paying-tribute-brandon-shah", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Honoring Lt. Col. Shah memorial service information", "url": "https://www.odu.edu/president/article/honoring-lieutenant-colonel-brandon-a-shah-07-memorial-service-information", "type": "official-archive" } ], "confidence": "high", "tags": [ "active-shooter", "terrorism", "fatality", "virginia", "rotc", "students-subdued-gunman", "fbi-investigation", "public-university" ], "dateAdded": "2026-05-03", "lastUpdated": "2026-07-19", "addedBy": "ingestion" }