Jalloh Brandon Shah
Jalloh (left) was released from federal prison in December 2024. Shah (right) survived Iraq and Afghanistan before being killed Thursday. X

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah survived combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan only to be killed in a Virginia university classroom by a man the federal prison system released early from an 11-year terrorism sentence.

Shah, 40, was shot dead on Thursday at Old Dominion University in Norfolk by Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, a former National Guard soldier who had pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Jalloh walked into an ROTC classroom at Constant Hall, asked if it was a Reserve Officers' Training Corps class, and opened fire when someone confirmed it was, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The attack left two other students wounded and is now being investigated as an act of terrorism.

A Combat Veteran Killed While Training Future Officers

Shah was a Virginia native who enlisted in the Army in 2003 as an Aviation Operations Specialist. He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, logging more than 600 combat flight hours as an Apache helicopter pilot.

His awards included:

  • Two Bronze Stars
  • Air Medal with Valor
  • The Combat Action Badge

After returning to his alma mater in 2022 to lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion, Shah had grown enrollment by nearly 50%. He often spoke of the moment 'when the light bulb comes on, when they turn from being a student into being a soldier-leader.'

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger described Shah as a 'devoted ROTC instructor' who 'didn't just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path.'

Shooter Expressed Desire to Attack During Ramadan

According to the court documents, Jalloh served in the Virginia Army National Guard from 2009 to 2015 before becoming radicalised after listening to online lectures by deceased al-Qaeda cleric Anwar al-Awlaki. In 2016, he communicated with an FBI informant he believed was connected to ISIS and discussed plans for a Fort Hood-style attack on US military personnel.

During those conversations, Jalloh expressed that 'it was better to plan an operation for Ramadan,' according to an FBI affidavit. Thursday's attack occurred during the Muslim holy month, which began on 17 February and runs until approximately 19 March.

Jalloh attempted to buy an AK-47 in 2016 but was refused. He then purchased an AR-15 and was arrested the following day. He pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organisation and was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison in February 2017. Prosecutors had recommended 20 years.

Federal Bureau of Prisons records show Jalloh was released in December 2024.

ROTC Students Stopped the Attack

FBI Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans said ROTC students showed 'extreme bravery and courage' in subduing the gunman. Jalloh shouted 'Allahu Akbar' before opening fire, Evans confirmed, and was 'rendered no longer alive' by the students.

One student stabbed Jalloh with a knife, according to law enforcement sources briefed on the case. FBI Director Kash Patel said the students' actions 'undoubtedly saved lives'.

Two other victims were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. One remains in critical condition, while another was treated and released after arriving at a Virginia Beach emergency department.

Representative Jen Kiggans, who represents the Norfolk area, released a statement condemning the attack. 'The fact that a terrorist with known ties to ISIS has been walking the streets of Hampton Roads makes me furious,' Kiggans wrote. 'My heart aches for Lt. Col. Brandon Shah who was killed by this terrorist monster.'

Old Dominion University has cancelled classes through Friday. The FBI has asked anyone with information about Jalloh or the attack to submit a tip.

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