The man who carried out the shooting at Old Dominion University had previously served federal prison time for supporting the terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS) but was released early before the attack occurred.
According to court records, suspect Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, was released on December 23, 2024, after serving approximately 8 years of an 11-year sentence.
Previously admitted to supporting ISIS
Jalloh was sentenced in 2017 after pleading guilty to providing material support to ISIS.
The U.S. Department of Justice investigation revealed:
Jalloh had communicated with ISIS members while in Africa in 2016
He expressed his intention to participate in attacks in the United States
He praised previous terrorist attacks
According to court documents, Jalloh had said he wanted to carry out an attack similar to:
the Fort Hood shooting
the 2015 Chattanooga attack that killed multiple U.S. service members
Released early before the attack
Federal prosecutors originally sought a 20-year sentence, but the court ultimately imposed 11 years.
Jalloh was released early in 2024 and was still under supervised release at the time of the incident.
It remains unclear exactly why his sentence was shortened.
The university shooting
According to authorities, Jalloh opened fire on the Old Dominion University campus on March 13.
The incident resulted in:
one ROTC instructor killed
two others injured
The suspect was subsequently subdued and died at the scene.
Debate over early release decision
Information about Jalloh’s criminal record has prompted many lawmakers to question why someone convicted of terrorism-related charges was released early.
Rep. Jen Kiggans said the incident should never have happened.
