Ex-ISIS Supporter Kills 1 in Old Dominion University Shooting

Ex-ISIS Supporter Kills 1 in Old Dominion University Shooting

NORFOLK, VA – A man with past ties to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), identified as the gunman in a fatal shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) earlier today, killed one person and injured two others before being killed himself. The incident has ignited urgent questions about how an individual with a documented history of plotting attacks sympathetic to ISIS, and who was recently released from federal prison, was able to carry out such violence undetected.

Suspect Identified, Past Terrorist Links Revealed

Sources indicate the deceased shooter has been identified as an individual previously affiliated with ISIS. This revelation comes as a shock, particularly given the suspect’s prior conviction and ten-year prison sentence for terrorism-related offenses. The suspect pleaded guilty in October 2016 to charges stemming from his involvement with individuals sympathetic to ISIS. Federal records show he was released from prison in December 2024, having served the majority of his sentence, which included time served and potential reductions afforded within the federal system. The Bureau of Prisons website confirms his release date.

Radicalization and Previous Conviction

Court documents from July 5th, 2016, detail the suspect’s radicalization process. During the investigation, the suspect reportedly met with confidential human sources (CHS) on two occasions in April and May of 2016. He disclosed his status as a former member of the Army National Guard, explaining that he left the service after listening to online lectures by Anwar al-Awlaki, a deceased leader of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had recently undertaken a six-month trip to Africa, where he met with members of ISIL (another name for ISIS) in Nigeria. His communication with ISIL members began online, with one individual later facilitating his introduction to the CHS, who was posing as an ISIS member in an FBI sting operation.

Questions Over Monitoring and Release Procedures

The fact that an individual with such a documented history of radicalization and intent to engage in terrorism was able to carry out an attack after his release from prison has raised significant concerns. Intelligence reports suggest that while the FBI has a history of intercepting individuals communicating with extremist groups online and apprehending them through sting operations, this particular case raises questions about the effectiveness of post-release monitoring. The circumstances surrounding his release and subsequent actions are now under intense scrutiny, prompting an examination of whether adequate counterterrorism watch protocols were in place and followed.

Victims and Ongoing Investigation

Details regarding the victims of the shooting remain limited as authorities focus on confirming the suspect’s identity and piecing together the timeline of events. The shooting occurred at Old Dominion University, a public institution located in Norfolk, Virginia. The university has been placed on lockdown, and law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the scene. The motive behind the specific targeting of the university remains unclear, but the suspect’s history provides a significant lead for investigators.

Broader Implications and Future Concerns

This incident underscores the persistent threat of homegrown extremism and the challenges faced by counterterrorism agencies in monitoring individuals with past extremist ties, even after their release from incarceration. The case highlights the complex nature of deradicalization and reintegration, and the potential vulnerabilities that may exist within the system. As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely shift to understanding the suspect’s activities and potential contacts after his release from prison, and whether any intelligence failures contributed to this tragic outcome.

What’s Next

Authorities are expected to release further details regarding the victims and the specifics of the ongoing investigation. The public and counterterrorism experts will be closely watching for any updates on the suspect’s activities post-release and any potential systemic issues that may need to be addressed to prevent similar incidents in the future. The effectiveness of current watchlists and monitoring protocols for individuals with past extremist affiliations is likely to be a key point of discussion.

Source: BREAKING: Man with past ISIS ties ID'd as gunman in Old Dominion Univ. shooting (YouTube)