Crime
40-year-old Brent Sharrai arrested after planting IED on parked railroad car in Payette, Idaho
On January 1, 2025, at approximately 5:54 p.m., the Payette Police Department responded to reports of a suspicious individual observed near a parked railroad car in the 600 block of North 8th Street. The individual appeared to be attempting to ignite an object.
Upon arrival, officers discovered fresh footprints in the snow leading to a train car. Inside the car, they located a suspected undetonated improvised explosive device (IED).
Officers followed the tracks to a nearby camp trailer parked close to a residence in the same area.
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Payette resident Brent Sharrai, attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a brief pursuit. Sharrai surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody on outstanding warrants in Payette County.
He was later booked into the Payette County Jail on multiple charges, including:
- Possession of a Destructive Device (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)
- Possession of Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor)
- Resisting and Obstructing Officers
Given the imminent danger posed by the IED, the Nampa Bomb Squad was called to the scene to neutralize the threat. Union Pacific Railroad was notified, and all trains scheduled to pass through the area were placed on standby for approximately five hours while the scene was secured.
Using a specialized robot, the Nampa Bomb Squad safely removed the device from the train car and later detonated it in a controlled environment to ensure it no longer posed a threat. An FBI agent also responded to assist with the ongoing investigation.
A search warrant was obtained for the camp trailer where Sharrai had been staying. Inside, officers discovered items consistent with those used to construct the IED found on the train car, as well as controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.
Sharrai remains in custody at the Payette County Jail, facing the listed charges. Federal charges for possession and manufacturing of a destructive device are pending further investigation by the FBI.
This incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and swift action by law enforcement. The Payette Police Department extends its gratitude to the Nampa Bomb Squad, Union Pacific Railroad, and the FBI for their assistance in ensuring the safety of the community.
Norfolk, Virginia โ Authorities have identified the instructor killed during Thursdayโs shooting at Old Dominion University as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a retired U.S. Army officer who had returned to the university to serve as an instructor with its Army ROTC program.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:43 a.m. on the universityโs campus in Norfolk. Police responded after receiving multiple emergency calls reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspectโidentified by authorities as Mohammed Jallohโentered the building and walked through the hallway before approaching a classroom where an Army ROTC session was underway.
The suspect reportedly asked individuals inside whether he had arrived at an ROTC class. When someone confirmed that it was, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally shooting the class instructor.
Voorhees University confirmed in a public Facebook statement that the victim was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, noting the tragedy has personal ties to the institution.
โThis tragedy is felt especially close to home for us, as the victim, Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, was the son-in-law of Voorhees University Trustee and alumnus Dr. Dan Martin,โ the university wrote in its statement. โWe lift Dr. Martin and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.โ
Shah was a native of Staunton and began his military career by enlisting in the United States Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist.
In 2005, he enrolled at Old Dominion University, where he later received his Army commission in 2007. Shah graduated with a bachelorโs degree in sociology and a minor in military science.
Following his commissioning, Shah served extensively in Army aviation. According to his alumni profile at ODU, he earned the Army Aviation Senior Aviator wings, logging more than 1,200 flight hours across three different aircraft and accumulating over 600 combat flight hours during his service.
In addition to his undergraduate degree, Shah pursued advanced education, earning an MBA from University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from University of Kansas.
Throughout his military career, Shah received numerous awards and distinctions. Among them were the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
His alumni biography also described him as a strong advocate for minority and veteran business education, highlighting his involvement in initiatives that support diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship. In addition to his professional work, Shah volunteered his time to assist underserved communities.
Shah returned to his alma mater in summer 2022 to serve as an instructor and help lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion at Old Dominion University. In that role, he mentored and trained students pursuing military leadership careers.
University officials and members of the campus community have expressed deep sorrow over his death, remembering Shah as a dedicated officer, educator, and mentor whose service and leadership had a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the suspectโs motive, and the investigation remains active.