FBI Investigates Shooting at Old Dominion University as Terrorism

A tragic shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia resulted in one death and two injuries. The suspected gunman, Mohammad Belar Zalo, also died while being restrained, and the FBI has classified the attack as an act of terrorism.

Virginia, USA — One person has died and two others were injured in a shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday, authorities confirmed. The FBI is investigating the incident as an “act of terrorism.”

The suspect, identified as Mohammad Belar Zalo, is also deceased. Zalo was a former member of the Virginia National Guard and had previously been imprisoned for attempting to support the Islamic State (IS). He was jailed in 2017 for aiding a terrorist organization and released in 2024.

According to reports, the attack began in Constant Hall, the university’s Business School building. Zalo entered a classroom and inquired if it was a military leadership training session. Upon confirmation, he immediately started shooting.

Students present at the scene acted quickly to subdue the gunman. Officials stated that Zalo was restrained by the students without the use of firearms, preventing further casualties. Among the three victims, a retired military officer who was teaching the class later succumbed to injuries at a hospital.

Authorities confirmed that the shooting has been classified as terrorism because the suspect reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire and due to his prior criminal history linked to terrorist activities.

In a related development, another violent incident occurred in Michigan within hours, when a vehicle struck a synagogue. Authorities are investigating whether the two events are connected.