Old Dominion University shooter dead thanks to 'brave students': FBI Director Kash Patel

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA: Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), praised a group of students for confronting and stopping a gunman during a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia on Thursday, March 12.

The incident left one person dead and two others wounded after an armed individual opened fire on campus.

Authorities said the suspect is now deceased after being subdued during the chaotic situation. 

Kash Patel hails 'brave students' of Old Dominion University

In a statement posted on X, Patel credited students who intervened during the attack, saying their actions likely prevented a larger tragedy.

“Earlier today, an armed individual opened fire at Old Dominion University, leaving one person dead and two others wounded,” Patel wrote.

“The shooter is now deceased thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him, actions that undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement.”

Patel said the bureau’s Joint Task Force is working alongside local authorities to determine the motive and circumstances behind the attack.

“Our Joint Task Force is fully engaged, embedded with local authorities, and providing all resources necessary in the investigation.”

The shooting took place inside a classroom building on the university campus, where reports of gunfire prompted a major police response and a temporary lockdown.

Authorities said one victim later died from injuries while two others were wounded in the attack. 

Old Dominion University shooter identified

Authorities have reportedly identified the suspect in the Old Dominion University shooting as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who previously pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to violent groups, the Associated Press cited a person familiar with the matter as saying.

Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member, was sentenced to 11 years in prison and was released from federal custody in December 2024.

Officials have not yet released full details about the suspect or the motive behind the shooting.

The university canceled classes and asked students to avoid the affected area as police secured the scene and investigators began collecting evidence.

As the investigation continues, Patel also asked the public to keep the victims and the university community in their thoughts.

“In the meantime, please pray for the victims, their families, and the ODU community,” he wrote.