Old Dominion University was unaware of a student's felony conviction for attempting to aid the Islamic State before he opened fire in a campus classroom in March, according to an investigative report released Tuesday. The university also did not ask Mohamed Bailor Jalloh about his criminal history before or after he was readmitted to the Norfolk, Virginia, school.
Jalloh's probation officer similarly failed to share the student's criminal background with the university, the report stated. Had the university been aware of Jalloh's past, officials likely would have sought his removal from campus, the report concluded. Virginia law prohibits universities from inquiring about a student's criminal history before admission or readmission, but permits such inquiries after a student has been readmitted.
"Given that Virginia law requires universities to rely on student self-disclosure, it is even more important that other law enforcement agencies ensure that information that universities need to know to safeguard their students is shared with universities. This critical failure led to tragic consequences here," the report, produced by the law firm Cooley, said.
Jalloh, a former member of the Virginia National Guard, pleaded guilty in 2017 to providing material support to the Islamic State group and was sentenced to 11 years in prison, according to prison records. He was released early from federal prison after completing a drug treatment program.
In March, shortly after re-enrolling at Old Dominion University, Jalloh entered a classroom and, after confirming it was an ROTC class, opened fire, authorities and the report confirmed. During the incident, Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, an instructor, was fatally wounded after grappling with the gunman. Cadets and authorities present disarmed Jalloh and attempted to save Shah's life.
University President Brian O. Hemphill stated that the report also highlighted the "extraordinary heroism and bravery" displayed by Shah and the cadets. Hemphill assured the campus community that the university would promptly implement Cooley's recommendations to enhance campus safety.