Report finds university unaware of convicted student's past before campus shooting
An investigation revealed Old Dominion University did not learn of Mohamed Bailor Jalloh's terrorism conviction before he reopened a classroom shooting that killed Lt. Col. Brandon Shah.
An investigative review by the law firm Cooley found Old Dominion University received no notice of Mohamed Bailor Jalloh’s 2017 conviction for providing material support to the Islamic State when he returned to campus. Neither the university nor Jalloh’s probation officer shared his criminal background, despite state law allowing schools to inquire after readmission. After re-enrolling, Jalloh entered a classroom, confirmed it was an ROTC class and then opened fire, fatally wounding instructor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah.
Campus cadets subdued the gunman and attempted to save Shah, who later died. President Brian O. Hemphill said the findings highlight Shah’s heroism and promised swift implementation of Cooley’s safety recommendations.
Why it matters
The lapse shows gaps in information sharing that can let dangerous individuals return to campus, endangering public safety.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage stresses the university’s lack of notice and the slain instructor’s heroism, while right-leaning coverage blames federal and state agencies and cites a law that prevents universities from asking about criminal records.
LEFT
Focuses on the university’s failure to know the student’s past and lauds the instructor’s heroism, urging safety reforms.
RIGHT
Places blame on federal/state agencies and a state law that limits universities’ ability to inquire about criminal histories.
The left emphasises
- University received no notice of the student’s conviction
- President highlighted Lt. Col. Brandon Shah’s heroism
- Promise of swift implementation of safety recommendations
The right emphasises
- Federal and state authorities did not alert the campus
- Virginia law bars public universities from asking about criminal records
- FBI clarified it is not responsible for informing colleges
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