Crime
Who was Mohamed Bailor Jalloh? Old Dominion University shooting suspect identified
Authorities continue to investigate the deadly shooting that occurred on March 12, 2026, at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, an incident that left one person dead, two others injured, and the suspected gunman deceased. While the investigation remains ongoing, reports circulating online have suggested that the suspect may have been Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard who was previously convicted in a federal terrorism case.
Law enforcement officials have not yet publicly confirmed the identity of the shooter, and investigators continue working to verify details surrounding the suspectโs background and any possible motive.
According to federal court records, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh is a U.S. citizen and former member of the United States Army and the Army National Guard. In October 2016, he pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to the extremist organization Islamic State (ISIS).
An affidavit filed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicated that Jalloh left the National Guard after becoming increasingly influenced by the teachings of Anwar al-Awlaki, a deceased cleric associated with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
Investigators said Jalloh began researching Awlaki after encountering media coverage that described the cleric as a radical preacher, which led him to listen to the clericโs online lectures.
According to the FBI affidavit, during conversations in 2016 with a confidential human source, Jalloh allegedly stated that Awlakiโs teachings convinced him that Muslims had a duty to resist U.S. military operations overseas. Investigators also said Jalloh referenced the 2014 declaration of a so-called caliphate by ISIS, stating that it reinforced his belief that the group represented a legitimate Islamic authority.
ISIS, an extremist militant organization that emerged from conflicts in Iraq and Syria, has been responsible for numerous attacks and insurgent operations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The group has also inspired or directed attacks in several countries worldwide.
Reports indicate that Jalloh served time in federal prison following his conviction and was reportedly released in 2024, though authorities have not publicly confirmed whether he is connected to the shooting at Old Dominion University.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:50 a.m. inside Constant Hall, a building located on the universityโs main campus. Officers with the Old Dominion University Police Department responded within minutes after receiving reports of gunfire.
When police arrived at the scene, they discovered the suspected gunman deceased. Authorities have not yet disclosed how the suspect died.
Two victims were transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital at approximately 11:15 a.m. in critical condition. Officials later reported that both victims survived and are now in stable condition. One injured individual reportedly transported themselves to a hospital in Virginia Beach for treatment.
In a statement following the incident, the U.S. Army Cadet Command confirmed that two of the victims were members of the universityโs ROTC program.
At approximately 12:15 p.m., university officials issued an โall clearโ notification, informing students and staff that the immediate threat had been neutralized. However, authorities advised the public to avoid the area surrounding Constant Hall as investigators continued to process the scene.
During a press conference held at approximately 2:00 p.m., ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton confirmed that one victim had died and two others had been injured, while the suspected gunman was found dead at the location.
ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. released a statement expressing condolences to the victims and gratitude to first responders who quickly responded to the emergency.
โEarlier today, Old Dominion University faced a tragedy on our main campus. I am grateful for the swift response of our police officers, emergency management personnel, and our partners with the City of Norfolk who assisted the injured.โ
In response to the incident, the university canceled all classes and suspended operations for the remainder of March 12, and officials announced that campus would remain closed the following day.
A Family Information Center was established at Chartway Arena to assist relatives seeking information about loved ones. Counseling and support services were also made available at Broderick Dining Commons, along with online resources including the Talk Campus peer support platform.
Students inside Constant Hall described chaotic moments as the situation unfolded. ODU sophomore Logan Hayes said he was taking an exam when the buildingโs fire alarm began sounding, prompting students to evacuate quickly as emergency responders arrived on campus.
The incident also triggered precautionary safety measures in the surrounding community. Norfolk Public Schools confirmed that Larchmont Elementary School, James Monroe Elementary School, and W. H. Taylor Elementary School were placed on secure hold while police responded to the emergency.
Officials also said that students from nearly every high school in Norfolk were visiting the university for a SOAR campus tour at the time of the shooting. Those visiting students were sheltered in place, and authorities later confirmed that all visiting students and staff were accounted for and safe.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities in the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that federal agents are working alongside local law enforcement to help process evidence and determine the motive and background of the suspect.
Officials emphasized that the identity of the shooter and any potential connection to prior criminal or extremist activity has not yet been officially confirmed. Investigators continue to analyze evidence from the scene as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
Authorities say additional updates will be released as more information becomes available as the investigation progresses.
Crime
Saylor Graham, 7, Fights to Recover After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting as Teacher Becky Drury Faces Long Recovery
BEND, Oregon โ Seven-year-old Saylor Graham is recovering from life-threatening injuries after being shot at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on October 15, 2026. Meanwhile, 54-year-old teacher Becky Drury is beginning a lengthy recovery after suffering gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand during the deadly school shooting.
The latest updates from the two families offer a glimpse of the difficult road ahead for survivors of a tragedy that claimed the lives of three children and a teacher, leaving families, classmates, and the wider Bend community grieving.
Saylor Graham, described by her family as a loving, feisty girl with a strong determination to thrive, was shot in the jaw during the shooting, according to the information shared by her family and supporters. She was airlifted from Bend for medical treatment.
Her family says the 7-year-old has already faced numerous medical challenges throughout her young life. Now, she is confronting another devastating ordeal, with her parents remaining by her side as she receives treatment and begins the recovery process.
Updates shared about Saylor’s condition have differed. An earlier account described her as being in critical condition, while a later update reported that she was in serious but stable condition. Her latest status should be confirmed with her family or an official source before publication.
For Saylor’s parents, the emotional strain is accompanied by significant financial uncertainty. Both parents are self-employed, and the demands of remaining at the hospital have sharply limited their ability to work. They must also manage medical expenses, transportation, lodging, household bills, and the needs of their other child.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized to help Saylor’s family manage the financial pressures arising from her injuries and ongoing treatment.
The fundraiser describes Saylor as a daughter, sister, and niece whose determination has carried her through numerous medical challenges. It explains that the family is facing uncertainty as they remain close to her during recovery.
The appeal states that donations will help cover hospital bills, time away from work, lodging, transportation, and other urgent family expenses.
The fundraiser also asks supporters to keep Saylor and her loved ones in their thoughts and prayers, emphasizing that every contribution and act of kindness can make a difference during this difficult time.
Readers who wish to support Saylor’s recovery can find the fundraiser through the link shared by her family or the original organizer. The campaign details and donation link should be verified before being shared.
Becky Drury, 54, a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School, was also wounded in the shooting. She suffered gunshot injuries to her left arm and right hand and has undergone surgery.
Her husband, Will, shared a hopeful update, saying the operation went well. However, the injuries to her left arm were extensive, and she is expected to require additional procedures and a prolonged recovery.
Despite the difficult road ahead, her husband’s message offered a moment of relief amid the grief surrounding the shooting.
โThe good news is she will be ok and we all get to keep that magnificent woman we love so much in our lives,โ he said.
His words reflect the gratitude of a family facing a frightening and uncertain recovery while knowing that Becky survived.
The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School left three children and one teacher dead, according to the information provided in reports about the incident.
Five-year-old Rhoam Summer has been publicly identified among the children killed. Megan Lambert, 25, a teacher also known as โCoach Megan,โ was identified as the adult victim. Two other children, ages 8 and 11, were also killed.
Their deaths have left four families facing an unimaginable loss. While Saylor and Becky continue their recoveries, the families of those who died are beginning a different and heartbreaking journey of grief.
The contrast between the survivors’ fight to recover and the families’ permanent loss has become one of the most painful realities of the tragedy.
For Saylor’s family, every update about her condition carries enormous significance. Her parents are navigating the uncertainty of their daughter’s recovery while trying to remain present for her and care for their family.
For Becky Drury’s loved ones, the successful surgery has brought relief, even as further treatment and rehabilitation lie ahead.
Their stories do not erase the devastating loss experienced by the families of the victims. Instead, they highlight the many ways the shooting has changed lives and the long road that survivors and loved ones must now face.
As Bend mourns the children and teacher who did not return home, the community continues to hope for Saylor’s recovery and for Becky to regain her health.
Saylor Graham and Becky Drury are among those still fighting their way forward after the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting. Their families are asking for support, compassion, and privacy as they face the difficult days ahead.