Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah has been identified as the victim killed in a shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday, according to Virginia Congresswoman Jen Kiggans. Two others were injured in the shooting, the Associated Press (AP) reports.
Newsweek reached out to the university via email for comment.
The Context
The shooting prompted a terrorism investigation by the FBI and halted campus operations, drawing regional and federal responses.
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh has been identified as the gunman by authorities. Jalloh had a prior conviction for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State (ISIS) and had served in the Army National Guard previously, federal officials said.
Before the shooting, Jalloh yelled “Allahu Akbar,” per the AP, which cited the FBI.
What To Know
According to the post on X, Kiggans said, “I am heartbroken by the loss of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah in today’s tragic shooting at Old Dominion University. As we continue to pray for his family and for the other victims, we should also recognize the extraordinary courage shown by the Army ROTC students who acted quickly to defend their classmates and subdue the attacker.”
“Their actions reflect the very highest levels of bravery and selflessness in the face of unimaginable danger, and I am deeply grateful for their heroism,” Kiggans added.
In a profile of Shah on the school’s website, it says he was the professor of military science at Old Dominion’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
What People Are Saying
FBI Director Kash Patel, in a post to X on Thursday: “Earlier today, an armed individual opened fire at Old Dominion University, leaving one person dead and two others wounded. The shooter is now deceased thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him – actions that undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement. The FBI is now investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism. Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is fully engaged, embedded with local authorities, and providing all resources necessary in the investigation. In the meantime, please pray for the victims, their families, and the ODU community.”
This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.
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