(Norfolk, Virginia) – A student at Old Dominion University is being credited with stopping a deadly shooting on campus Thursday after fatally stabbing the gunman who had opened fire inside a classroom.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, entered a classroom in Constant Hall and asked students if it was an ROTC class. When someone confirmed that it was, investigators say he opened fire, striking a retired military officer who was teaching the course.
The professor was killed in the attack.
According to law enforcement sources, as chaos erupted inside the classroom, a student confronted the gunman and stabbed him, ultimately stopping the shooting. The attacker later died from his injuries.
Police have not released the name of the student.
Investigators say Jalloh is a former member of the National Guard who had previously been convicted in a federal case related to attempting to support ISIS.
Law enforcement sources say he had already served time and had been released before the attack.
Authorities are now working to determine how Jalloh obtained the weapon and what motivated him to target the ROTC class.
Police and emergency crews quickly flooded the Norfolk, Virginia campus, locking down buildings and evacuating students as officers searched for additional threats.
Officials later confirmed there was no ongoing danger to the public.
The university canceled classes and urged students to stay away from the area while the investigation continues.
Officials have not yet released further details about the heroic student who intervened, but authorities say the quick action likely prevented additional deaths.
The incident remains under investigation.
