A deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, triggered panic on campus Thursday morning after a gunman opened fire inside an academic building, leaving one person dead and two others injured before the suspect was subdued and killed.

Authorities have since confirmed that federal investigators are treating the shooting as a possible act of terrorism, raising new questions about the suspect’s past and how he was able to carry out the attack.

The incident unfolded inside Constant Hall, one of the university’s major academic buildings, where students and faculty suddenly found themselves in the middle of a violent and chaotic scene.

Shooting Erupts Inside Campus Building

According to police, emergency calls began flooding dispatchers shortly before 11 a.m. after reports of gunfire inside Constant Hall on the university’s main campus.

Students and staff quickly received an emergency alert warning of an active threat and advising them to follow the “Run, Hide, Fight” safety protocol while law enforcement rushed to the scene.

The situation escalated rapidly as officers secured the building and surrounding areas while students sheltered in classrooms and offices.

Authorities later confirmed that the gunman opened fire during what appeared to be a class connected to the university’s military training program.

One Dead, Two Others Injured

Officials said the attack left three victims.

Two of the victims were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. One of them later died from injuries sustained in the shooting, while the second remains in critical condition.

A third victim sought medical care at Sentara Independence emergency department in nearby Virginia Beach and has since been treated and released.

Investigators say the two seriously injured victims are students affiliated with the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program at the university.

Suspect Identified as Former Extremism Convict

Early reports indicate that the suspected gunman may be Mohamed Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard who previously served prison time in a terrorism-related case.

According to sources cited by ABC News, Jalloh had been convicted in 2016 of attempting to provide material support to the extremist group ISIS.

Court records show he pleaded guilty and was sentenced in 2017 to 11 years in federal prison, though he was reportedly released in December 2024.

Investigators say the suspect allegedly entered a classroom and asked whether it was an ROTC course. When someone confirmed that it was, he reportedly opened fire on the instructor.

Authorities have not yet clarified how the shooter died during the incident.

FBI Launches Terrorism Investigation

Federal authorities quickly joined the investigation, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation confirming the case is being treated as a potential terrorist attack.

In a statement, FBI Director Kash Patel praised students who intervened during the attack.

“The shooter is now deceased thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him — actions that undoubtedly saved lives,” Patel said.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is now working alongside local police to determine whether the suspect acted alone and what may have motivated the attack.

Campus Locked Down as Chaos Unfolded

The first emergency alert from the university warned students and faculty about an active shooter and instructed them to avoid the area around Constant Hall.

Police sealed off nearby streets and secured the campus for several hours while officers searched for potential additional threats.

By early afternoon, authorities issued an all-clear notification, informing the campus community that the immediate danger had passed but asking people to avoid the crime scene as investigators continued their work.

Nearby Schools Placed on Secure Hold

The shooting also impacted nearby schools.

Officials with Norfolk Public Schools said several institutions were temporarily placed on a secure hold as a precaution.

Students from multiple Norfolk high schools were visiting the university for a campus tour at the time of the shooting. They sheltered in place and were later confirmed to be safe and accounted for.

Classes Canceled as Community Reacts

University leadership quickly suspended academic activities in response to the tragedy.

In a message to students and staff, university president Brian O. Hemphill confirmed that classes and campus operations were canceled for the rest of Thursday and would remain suspended the following day.

Counseling services and support resources were made available for students and faculty affected by the traumatic event.

FAQ

What happened at Old Dominion University?

A gunman opened fire inside Constant Hall on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, leaving one person dead and two others injured.

Who was the suspected shooter?

Authorities believe the suspect may be Mohamed Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member previously convicted in a terrorism-related case involving ISIS.

Why is the FBI investigating?

The FBI is treating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism due to the suspect’s past extremism conviction and the circumstances of the attack.

Were students involved in stopping the shooter?

Yes. Officials said several students intervened and helped subdue the attacker before law enforcement secured the scene.

Is the campus safe now?

Yes. Authorities issued an all-clear notice after confirming there was no longer an active threat.