Mass Shooting at Old Dominion University Claims Life of Military Officer

A tragic event unfolded at Old Dominion University in Virginia, where a mass shooting resulted in the death of Lt. Col. Brandon Sher, a respected military officer who also served as a university instructor.

The incident occurred when a gunman opened fire on campus, leading to Sher’s death. Authorities later identified the shooter as Mohamed Bayler Jallow, a former National Guardsman with a past conviction related to supporting ISIS. Reports indicate that Jallow, a Sierra Leonean naturalized citizen, was found deceased on site after police responded to an emergency call.

According to reports, when entering a classroom, Jallow inquired if it was a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) class. After receiving confirmation, he proceeded to shoot the instructor multiple times.

FBI Special Agent Dominic Evans stated that the investigation will classify the shooting as an act of terrorism, noting that Jallow allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire.

Fortunately, a group of ROTC students intervened by tackling the assailant, which likely prevented further casualties.

FBI Director Kash Patel remarked that the actions of the students, alongside law enforcement’s quick response, were vital in saving lives.

The university highlighted Sher’s remarkable career, noting that he joined the Army in 2003 and became part of Old Dominion in 2005. He graduated with a sociology degree in 2007 and had a distinguished record as an Army pilot, flying in various operations, including missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Shah accrued over 1,200 flight hours, with significant time spent on combat missions. He also served in leadership roles, directing operations for multiple companies and eventually overseeing the ROTC program at ODU, where he significantly increased enrollment in his first year back.

Remembered as a true hero, ODU President Brian O. Hemphill paid tribute to Sher’s dedicated service and impactful contributions to both the military and the university community.

Hemphill expressed profound sorrow over Shah’s passing, emphasizing the immense loss felt by friends, family, and colleagues, and acknowledging Shah’s example as a family man and leader.

In the aftermath, the university closed its doors for the day following the attack, continuing the closure into the next day to provide necessary counseling resources. Of the two additional victims, one remains in critical condition while the other has since been discharged from the hospital.