A man who opened fire in a classroom at Virginia’s Old Dominion University has been granted an early release from federal prison after completing a drug treatment program. Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who had been serving an 11-year sentence for providing material support to the Islamic State group, was released approximately two and a half years early in 2024. This information was confirmed by a source familiar with the situation, speaking to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
Jalloh’s early release raises questions about how he qualified for the prison drug treatment program, which traditionally excludes inmates serving sentences for terrorism-related offenses. According to prison records, he had pleaded guilty in 2017 and was sentenced after a federal judge acknowledged his attempts to provide support to a designated terrorist organization. On March 14, 2024, Jalloh killed one person and injured two others during the shooting at Old Dominion University before being subdued and killed by ROTC students.
The federal Bureau of Prisons did not provide details regarding Jalloh’s incarceration and release when contacted for comment. Following the attack, U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans expressed her outrage on social media, stating, “The horrific tragedy that occurred today on ODU’s campus never should have happened.”
Details of Jalloh’s Criminal Background
Jalloh’s criminal history began with his October 2016 guilty plea, which followed a three-month undercover FBI operation. During this operation, Jalloh, then 26, confided to an undercover agent about his intentions to carry out an attack similar to the 2009 Fort Hood shootings, which resulted in 13 deaths. The FBI initiated the sting after Jalloh made contact with Islamic State members earlier that year.
Court documents reveal that Jalloh attempted to donate $500 to the Islamic State group, believing he was contributing to their cause. Instead, the funds were directed to an FBI-controlled account. He also attempted to purchase an AR-15 assault rifle, but was turned away due to a lack of proper paperwork. The next day, he managed to buy a different assault rifle, which was rendered inoperable before he left the store, unbeknownst to him. He was arrested shortly thereafter.
The Justice Department had initially sought a 20-year sentence for Jalloh, citing his multiple attempts to join the Islamic State and his efforts to acquire a firearm for a murder plot. Prosecutors argued that he demonstrated a strong commitment to the group’s ideology, framing his intentions in religious terms. However, Jalloh’s legal team requested a significantly shorter sentence of six and a half years, arguing for his placement in a facility offering drug treatment for his addiction issues.
U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady ultimately sentenced Jalloh to 11 years, mandating participation in substance abuse and mental health programs. He was also evaluated for the federal prison system’s Residential Drug Abuse Program, which can reduce an inmate’s sentence by up to one year.
Impact of Early Release and Radicalization
The circumstances surrounding Jalloh’s release have prompted a broader debate regarding the eligibility of inmates convicted of terrorism-related offenses for programs that reduce sentences. Typically, such inmates are excluded from benefits under laws like the First Step Act of 2018, which limits sentence reductions for those convicted of serious crimes.
Jalloh’s radicalization appears to be linked to lectures given by the late Anwar al-Awlaki, a well-known al-Qaida propagandist. Following his service in the Virginia Army National Guard from 2009 to 2015, Jalloh reportedly left the military after becoming influenced by al-Awlaki’s teachings.
In a letter to the court, Jalloh expressed deep regret for his involvement with the Islamic State, stating, “I feel deep regret in having been driven by my emotions rather than my intellect and becoming involved with such an evil organization.” He attributed his descent into substance abuse to personal trauma following the end of a long-term relationship.
The tragic events at Old Dominion University have highlighted serious concerns regarding the monitoring and rehabilitation of individuals with extremist backgrounds. As investigations continue, the implications of Jalloh’s early release remain a priority for law enforcement and lawmakers alike.
