Brandon A. Shah, ROTC Instructor Killed in Shooting at Old Dominion University – How Did Students Stop the Attack?
Authorities have identified the victim who died during a shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, as an Army lieutenant colonel who served as an instructor in the school’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.
Officials said the victim was Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah, a professor of military science and chair of the ROTC department at the university. Two other individuals were injured during the incident.
According to investigators, the shooting occurred Thursday inside a classroom in a business school building on campus. Authorities said the suspect entered the classroom and opened fire, striking Shah and two other individuals.
Law enforcement officials later identified the suspect as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh. Investigators say he had previously been convicted in a federal case involving attempts to support the extremist group Islamic State.
Authorities reported that ROTC students in the classroom quickly intervened after the shooting began. According to officials, the students acted to restrain the suspect and stop the attack.
Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Norfolk field office, said during a news conference that the students showed “extreme bravery and courage” in preventing further harm.
Officials confirmed that the suspect died at the scene after being subdued by those in the classroom. Two victims who were injured during the incident were transported to a hospital. Authorities said one person remained in critical condition while the other was treated and later released.
Federal investigators say the case is being examined as a potential act of terrorism as authorities review the suspect’s background and possible motivations. Following the incident, university officials announced that classes would be canceled the following day to allow students, faculty, and staff time to process the event.
Lt. Col. Shah had served in the U.S. Army since 2003 and was deployed during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to his biography on the university’s website, he received two Bronze Star medals for his service.
Colleagues and family members described Shah as a dedicated educator and military leader who was committed to mentoring the next generation of officers.
University officials also noted that Shah played a key role in growing the ROTC program, helping increase student enrollment significantly in recent years.
Community members, students, and faculty are now mourning his loss while praising the actions of those who stepped in to stop the attack. As investigators continue reviewing the case, authorities say more details may be released in the coming days.
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