NORFOLK, Va. — Authorities have issued the all-clear after a deadly shooting on the campus of Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia. Officials confirmed that one person was killed, two others were injured, and the suspected gunman is also dead. The FBI is now investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism.

ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton said three victims were involved in the shooting. One of them later died from their injuries, while the other two were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

In a campus alert sent around 12:10 p.m., university officials informed students and staff that the immediate danger had passed.

“This is an all-clear notification. The emergency at Constant Hall has ended. There is no longer an active threat to the campus community. Avoid the area in and around Constant Hall where emergency officials continue to work.”

Hospital officials confirmed that two victims were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where one later died and the other remains in critical condition. A third victim sought treatment independently at a Sentara emergency department in Virginia Beach and has since been treated and released.

Authorities have not yet clarified how the gunman died.

According to ABC News, the suspected shooter has been identified as Mohamed Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard who had previously been convicted in 2016 for attempting to provide material support to ISIS. Sources told ABC that Jalloh was sentenced in 2017 to 11 years in prison and was released in December 2024.

Investigators believe Jalloh entered a classroom on campus and asked whether it was a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) class. When someone responded that it was, he allegedly opened fire on the instructor.

Lt. Col. Jimmy Delongchamp, a spokesperson for U.S. Army Cadet Command, confirmed that the two wounded victims are students involved in the university’s ROTC program.

“We will continue to coordinate with the university and law enforcement agencies as they investigate the incident,” Delongchamp said.

Court records cited by ABC News indicate that when Jalloh pleaded guilty in 2016, he admitted communicating with an ISIS member overseas who connected him with someone in the United States — later revealed to be an FBI informant. During those communications, Jalloh allegedly discussed planning an attack during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Despite prosecutors recommending a 20-year sentence, he ultimately served less time and was released early — something that can occur within the federal prison system.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Thursday that federal authorities are treating the shooting as an act of terrorism.

“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 the brave actions of students who intervened and subdued him, along with the swift response of law enforcement,” Patel said in a statement.
“The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is fully engaged and working alongside local authorities to investigate this incident.”

Police said the first 911 calls came in around 10:43 a.m., reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall, which houses the university’s business school.

The area around Constant Hall and Hampton Boulevard remained closed for several hours while authorities secured the scene. By 2 p.m., officials said the area had been cleared and roads were beginning to reopen.

The university canceled all classes and operations for the remainder of Thursday and announced that all campuses would remain closed on Friday, March 13, while the investigation continues.

Earlier alerts instructed students to follow the “Run, Hide, Fight” emergency protocol as law enforcement responded.

The incident also impacted nearby schools. Norfolk Public Schools placed several campuses on a secure hold, including:

• Larchmont Elementary School

• James Monroe Elementary School

• W.H. Taylor Elementary School

At the time of the shooting, students from multiple Norfolk high schools were visiting ODU for a campus tour. Officials confirmed all visiting students sheltered safely and were accounted for.

Meanwhile, organizers of the MEAC basketball tournament in downtown Norfolk said the event would continue as scheduled, as authorities confirmed there was no threat to the venue.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said she is closely monitoring the situation and that state officials are coordinating with local authorities.

“I encourage students, faculty and community members to continue following guidance from law enforcement,” the governor said. “I thank the first responders who acted quickly to protect the campus community.”

ODU President Brian O. Hemphill also addressed students and staff, thanking police and emergency responders for their swift action and offering counseling services to those affected.

“The safety of our campus community is my top priority,” Hemphill said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this tragic incident.”

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones also praised the rapid response by law enforcement and said his office will continue supporting the investigation.