Crime
ROTC instructor killed in Old Dominion University shooting identified as Brandon Shah
Norfolk, Virginia — Authorities have identified the instructor killed during Thursday’s 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 university’s campus in Norfolk. Police responded after receiving multiple emergency calls reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect—identified by authorities as Mohammed Jalloh—entered 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.
“This 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,” the university wrote in its statement. “We lift Dr. Martin and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.”
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 bachelor’s 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 suspect’s motive, and the investigation remains active.
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — A 19-year-old woman from Carol Stream, Illinois, identified as Giana Dettloff, was killed in a mass shooting in downtown Bloomington on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Eight additional people were injured in the gunfire, bringing the total number of victims to nine, according to authorities.
The shooting occurred in the 100 block of East Division Street, where Dettloff was pronounced dead at the scene. Police and emergency responders continued to investigate as officials worked to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to McLean County Coroner Dr. Kathleen Yoder, Dettloff was found at the scene with fatal gunshot injuries and was pronounced dead in the 100 block of East Division Street.
A preliminary autopsy determined that she died from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and pelvis. Toxicology testing remains pending, and additional findings may be released once the examination process is complete.
Dettloff, 19, was from Carol Stream, a community in the Chicago metropolitan area. Her death has added to the grief surrounding the shooting, which also left several other people injured.
Bloomington police later confirmed that another individual had been shot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. This updated information brought the total number of shooting victims to nine, including Dettloff.
The victims reportedly range in age from 16 to 22. According to the information released about the incident, those injured and affected include students from various high schools and universities across Illinois.
The shooting has raised serious concern because of the young ages of those involved and the number of people affected. Authorities have not provided further individual details about the eight surviving victims in the information currently available.
Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington expressed condolences to Dettloff’s family and friends following her death. He also asked members of the community to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve and begin to cope with the loss.
The request for privacy comes as the investigation continues and the community reacts to the fatal violence in downtown Bloomington.
The Bloomington Police Department continues to investigate the shooting. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the gunfire and establish a clearer account of what happened on East Division Street.
Further information about the incident may become available as investigators continue their work. No additional conclusions about the circumstances or responsibility for the shooting should be assumed until confirmed by authorities.
The death of 19-year-old Giana Dettloff represents a heartbreaking loss for her family, friends, and the Carol Stream community. Her life was cut short in a shooting that also injured eight other people, many of them young.
As the investigation continues, thoughts and condolences are with Dettloff’s loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy. The community now awaits further answers about the violence that took place in downtown Bloomington.
May Giana Dettloff rest in peace.