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Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah has been identified as the man killed in a shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday, according to Virginia Congresswoman Jen Kiggans. Two others were injured in the attack, the Associated Press (AP) reports.
Newsweek reached out to the university via email for comment.
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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).
Who Was Brandon Shah?
Old Dominion says Shah was a Virginia native, alumnus of the university and department chair, with prior enlisted service beginning in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist across active-duty Army, Army Reserve and Virginia Army National Guard before commissioning from the school.
The university biography said Shah deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and a rotation to Atlantic Resolve. Shah also earned his Army aviation senior aviator wings, flew more than 1,200 hours in three aircraft and completed over 600 combat flight hours.
Previous assignments included Brigade S3 for the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia, Squadron S3 for 3-17 Air Cavalry Squadron overseeing attack helicopter modernization and more than 36 months of command across multiple units.
Shah held a Bachelor of Science in sociology with a minor in military science from Old Dominion; a Master of Business Administration from the University of Georgia; and a Master of Science in engineering management from the University of Kansas.
His badges included Senior Army Aviator; Combat Action; Parachutist; and Air Assault, according to Old Dominion's Army ROTC page.
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."
Republican Congressman Tim Burchett, on X Thursday in reaction to a post identifying Shah as the fatality: "Sickening"
Mark Meadows, former White House chief of staff under President Donald Trump, in a post to X on Thursday: "Join me in praying for the family and friends of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah."
Fox News congressional correspondent Bill Melugin, on X Thursday: "Makes me sick. Survives all of that just to be murdered on US soil by a terrorist who should have never been on the streets. RIP."
Virginia Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger, on X Thursday: "Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was killed today in his classroom at Old Dominion University. A devoted ROTC instructor, Lt. Col. Shah didn’t just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path."
Spanberger added in a follow-up post, "I am grateful for his example, deeply saddened by his death, and praying for his family. Amid this tragedy, I thank the brave students, first responders, and law enforcement officers who responded quickly to today’s horrific attack."
What Happens Next
Old Dominion is closed on Friday, the school announced in an emergency alert, and counseling services will be on-site for students from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Broderick Dining Commons.
Update 3/12/26, 10:03 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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