A United States Army lieutenant colonel and military instructor, Brandon Shah, has been identified as the victim of a fatal shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
Shah, who served as a professor of military science and instructor with the university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), died after a gunman opened fire inside a classroom on the campus on Thursday.
Authorities said the attacker, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, entered a classroom and began shooting, leaving Shah dead and two other people injured before the assailant was subdued and killed during the incident.
Investigators later revealed that Jalloh was a former member of the Army National Guard who had previously served time in prison after pleading guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group.
Officials say the incident is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism.
Shah, a decorated Army veteran and alumnus of Old Dominion University, had served multiple deployments in the Middle East and was widely respected for his leadership and service.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger paid tribute to the fallen officer, describing him as a dedicated mentor to young cadets.
“Shah didn’t just lead a life of service to our country; he taught and led others to follow that path,” Spanberger wrote.
The shooting occurred in a classroom building on campus, triggering a lockdown and a rapid response from law enforcement. Authorities said the gunman was confronted and ultimately stopped by ROTC students, whom officials praised for their bravery in preventing further casualties.
The university suspended classes following the incident as investigators continued to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
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