Army Officer Killed in Old Dominion University Shooting Identified as 'Devoted'

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Army Officer Killed in Old Dominion University Shooting Identified as 'Devoted'

Last update: 03/15/2026
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Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, a dedicated ROTC instructor at Old Dominion University, was tragically killed in a campus shooting in Norfolk Virginia on March 12 2026 Two others were hospitalized while students intervened to stop the attacker preventing further harm

Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, who served as an instructor for the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) at Old Dominion University, has been confirmed as the victim of a shooting that took place at the university in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The violent incident also resulted in two additional individuals being hospitalized, while the assailant was neutralized by students present at the scene.

Details of the Incident

Norfolk police received reports of an active shooter at Old Dominion University at approximately 11 a.m. local time. Authorities confirmed that the perpetrator, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was stopped and killed by students, preventing further harm. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has classified the situation as a potential terrorist act.

Victim: Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, ROTC instructor
Date and Time: March 12, 2026, around 11 a.m.
Location: Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
Shooter: Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, neutralized at the scene
Additional Victims: Two hospitalized

Governor’s Statement

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger confirmed the death of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, expressing condolences and recognizing his commitment to both teaching and serving the country. She highlighted his role as an ROTC instructor, noting his dedication to guiding students in military service. The governor also commended the students, first responders, and law enforcement officers who acted promptly during the attack.

Background of Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah

Brandon Shah, a Virginia native, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist. He later pursued higher education at Old Dominion University, earning a degree in sociology with a minor in military science, and was commissioned as an officer in 2007. Shah returned to ODU to serve as a professor of military science and ROTC instructor, fulfilling his long-standing aspiration to mentor and educate future military officers.

Enlisted in the Army: 2003
Commissioned as an officer: 2007
Professor and ROTC instructor at ODU
Fulfilled his goal of teaching at Old Dominion University

Community Reactions

Friends, colleagues, and former students of Lt. Col. Shah described him as an inspiring and optimistic figure. Longtime acquaintance Aerock Parinas emphasized expressing love to family and friends, while Carlos Ortiz noted the tragedy of Shah’s death given his proximity to retirement. Former cadet leader Jason Fedish recognized Shah’s leadership and positive influence on the ROTC community.

Investigation and Shooter Background

The FBI's Norfolk field office is leading the investigation into the shooting. Authorities reported that Mohamed Bailor Jalloh had a prior arrest in 2016 for attempting to support ISIL (ISIS) and was released from prison in 2024. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and Evidence Response Team are actively gathering evidence from the scene and continuing investigative operations. In an official statement, the FBI acknowledged the bravery of the students who intervened, preventing further casualties.

Conclusion

The death of Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah represents a significant loss to both Old Dominion University and the wider military community. Swift actions by students and law enforcement prevented additional harm, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. The FBI remains engaged in tracking leads and coordinating with local partners to ensure a comprehensive examination of the incident.

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Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.

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