Date: March 14, 2026 l By: Dalena Reporters
A United States senator has alleged that the gunman responsible for the deadly attack at Old Dominion University in Virginia had previously traveled abroad and met members of the Islamic State (ISIS), raising fresh concerns about international extremist networks and domestic security.
The claim was made by Senator Moore, who reacted to the deadly campus attack that left at least one person dead and others injured. According to the senator, the suspect had reportedly traveled to Africa in the past where he came into contact with individuals linked to the Islamic State terrorist group, fueling concerns that the attack may have had ideological motivations.
The incident occurred on March 12, 2026, when a gunman identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former member of the U.S. Army National Guard, opened fire inside a classroom at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Authorities say the attacker targeted a group connected to the university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.
During the attack, the gunman reportedly shouted religious slogans before firing shots, killing Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a respected ROTC instructor and decorated military veteran, while injuring two others.
Officials say the attacker had a troubling history tied to extremist ideology. Jalloh had previously been convicted for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State, a charge that resulted in an 11-year federal prison sentence. However, he was released in December 2024 after serving about eight years, a development that has since sparked political controversy and questions about the early release of individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses.
Investigators say the attack unfolded quickly. After opening fire, the suspect was subdued and fatally stopped by ROTC students, whose actions authorities say prevented further casualties on campus.
The FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force have launched a full investigation into the shooting, which officials are treating as a possible act of terrorism. Authorities are also examining how the attacker obtained the firearm used in the assault despite legal restrictions following his prior conviction.
The tragedy has triggered renewed debate among U.S. lawmakers about terrorism monitoring, early prisoner release policies, and campus security, as well as broader concerns about extremist radicalization inside the United States.
University officials suspended classes temporarily following the attack while grief counseling and support services were made available to students and staff affected by the violence.
As the investigation continues, the incident is being viewed as one of the most serious terror-linked campus attacks in recent years, reigniting fears about the evolving threat posed by individuals with prior ties to extremist organizations.