Old Dominion University Issues Active Threat Alert at Constant Hall After Deadly Campus Shooting

Norfolk, Virginia – March 12, 2026: Old Dominion University (ODU) issued an urgent active threat alert Thursday morning after a gunman opened fire inside Constant Hall, the building that houses the university’s business school. The incident triggered a campus lockdown and a massive emergency response from local police and federal authorities.

Authorities later confirmed that one person was killed, two others were injured, and the suspected shooter also died at the scene. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the attack as a possible act of terrorism.

What Happened at Old Dominion University?

The shooting occurred shortly before 10:50 a.m. inside a classroom at Constant Hall on ODU’s campus in Norfolk. According to officials, the gunman entered a room associated with the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program and opened fire.

Emergency alerts sent by the university warned students and staff about an “active threat” and instructed everyone to follow the “Run, Hide, Fight” safety protocol while emergency personnel rushed to the scene.

Police officers, campus security, and first responders quickly surrounded the building and began evacuating people from nearby areas.

Victims and Casualties

Authorities confirmed that the attack resulted in multiple casualties:

• 1 person killed: ROTC instructor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah

• 2 ROTC members injured

• Gunman deceased after being subdued during the incident

The injured victims were transported to a nearby hospital, where they received emergency medical treatment.

Shooter Identified

Law enforcement officials identified the suspected attacker as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a 36-year-old former Army National Guard member. Jalloh previously served time in federal prison after pleading guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide support to ISIS.

Investigators say the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is examining the motive and whether the suspect acted alone.

Campus Lockdown and Emergency Response

Following the shooting, Old Dominion University immediately:

• Issued a campus-wide emergency alert

• Locked down nearby buildings

• Suspended classes and campus operations

• Deployed counseling and support services for students and staff

Officials later sent an “all clear” notification once the threat was neutralized, although police continued to investigate the scene.

University Statement

ODU President Brian O. Hemphill expressed condolences to the victims and emphasized the university’s commitment to campus safety. Counseling services were made available to students and faculty affected by the incident.

The university also announced that classes and operations would be canceled temporarily to allow the community time to recover and to support the ongoing investigation.

Investigation Ongoing

The FBI and local law enforcement agencies continue to examine the attack. Authorities are reviewing the suspect’s background, potential motives, and any connections that could indicate a broader security threat.

Officials say the Joint Terrorism Task Force is involved as investigators work to determine whether the shooting was a planned extremist attack.