ROTC Cadet Stops Shooting at Virginia College

A courageous ROTC cadet fatally stabbed a gunman inspired by ISIS during a shooting incident inside a classroom at a Virginia college on Thursday. This brave action halted the attack and prevented further violence.

Mohammed Jallow, 36, entered a classroom, inquired if it was an ROTC session, and then opened fire, resulting in the death of one instructor and injuries to two students. Authorities reported that an unnamed cadet charged at Jallow and stabbed him, effectively bringing the situation under control before it escalated.

Jallow had a history with the law—previously convicted for trying to provide material support to ISIS, he had been in federal custody until his release in early 2024. Federal investigators are looking into whether the shooting was a terrorist act.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the quick actions of several students in confronting the gunman were pivotal in stopping the assault and that law enforcement’s rapid response likely saved additional lives.

Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton mentioned that one victim was hospitalized due to the attack and noted that the injured students were part of the university’s Army Reserve Officer Training Corps.

A statement from the Justice Ministry detailed that in 2016, Jallow had connections with ISIS operatives and FBI informants, expressing a desire to execute a mass casualty attack similar to the Fort Hood shooting. Federal prosecutors had aimed for a 20-year sentence, but a judge ultimately sentenced him to 11 years in prison in 2017, with his release scheduled for December 2024.