Authorities have identified the instructor killed in the Old Dominion University shooting as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a decorated U.S. Army officer and chair of the university’s military science department.
Shah was teaching a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps class Thursday morning when the gunman entered the classroom and opened fire.
Officials say the suspect, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, had previously been convicted in a federal terrorism case involving support for ISIS.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities in investigating the attack, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Veteran Officer With Extensive Military Service
Lt. Col. Shah enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003 and served multiple deployments during his military career.
According to his university biography, he supported Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom during tours in the Middle East.
He also participated in Operation Atlantic Resolve, a NATO mission aimed at strengthening security in Europe.
Shah earned more than 17 military awards during his career, including the Air Medal of Valor and several Army Commendation Medals.
He also logged more than 1,200 flight hours across multiple aircraft and recorded more than 600 combat flight hours.
Respected Instructor and Mentor
At Old Dominion University, Shah served as chair of the military science department and helped train the next generation of Army officers.
He was also an alumnus of Old Dominion University as well as the University of Georgia and the University of Kansas.
Colleagues described him as a dedicated mentor who encouraged students to pursue careers in public service.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger honored Shah’s legacy in a public statement.
“Lt. Col. Shah didn’t just serve our country. He taught others to serve,” she said.
Two Students Injured in Attack
Authorities say two ROTC students were wounded during the shooting but are expected to recover.
Law enforcement sources say several students intervened during the attack and helped stop the gunman.
The suspect was killed before he could harm additional victims.
Federal guidelines for terrorism investigations are managed by agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Gunman Had Prior Terrorism Conviction
Investigators identified the suspect as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Sierra Leone.
Jalloh previously served in the Virginia National Guard before becoming involved with extremist groups.
In 2017, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to ISIS.
Authorities say he became radicalized after leaving military service and expressed admiration for extremist figures and previous terror attacks.
Investigation Ongoing
Officials continue to investigate the attack and review the suspect’s actions leading up to the shooting.
Law enforcement agencies are examining digital evidence and prior contacts to determine whether others may have been involved.
University officials say counseling services are being offered to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
For many in the campus community, Lt. Col. Shah is being remembered as a leader, mentor, and soldier who dedicated his life to serving his country.