A gunman opened fire Thursday morning, March 12, 2026, at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, killing Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a decorated Army ROTC professor and department chair. Two others were injured; the shooter, Mohamed Jalloh, was killed during the incident—reportedly subdued by brave ROTC students.
Victim’s Lowcountry Ties
Shah, son-in-law of Dr. Dan Martin (Vice Chair of Charleston County Voter Registration and Elections Board, Voorhees University trustee/alumnus), had Lowcountry family connections. Governor Abigail Spanberger praised his service as a helicopter pilot in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Eastern Europe, noting his mentorship of future leaders.
Shooter Background
Jalloh, 36 (aka Mohamed Bailor Jalloh), pleaded guilty in 2016 to aiding ISIS, serving 11 years before 2024 supervised release. FBI probes it as terrorism; he yelled “Allahu Akbar,” targeted ROTC class in Constant Hall (business school hub). Swift response limited casualties—classes canceled through Friday.
