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Army Awards Medals, Purple Hearts To ODU Cadets Who Stopped Classroom Gunman

The honors signal continued support for the cadets during an ongoing FBI terrorism probe.

Overview

  • U.S. Army leaders recognized Old Dominion University ROTC cadets in a private ceremony Sunday with eight Meritorious Service Medals and two Purple Hearts, and the Army withheld the cadets’ names to protect their privacy.
  • The decorations honor students who overpowered Mohamed Bailor Jalloh during the March 12 attack that killed instructor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and injured two cadets.
  • The FBI is leading a terrorism-related investigation into motive and any connections, with Fox News noting Jalloh’s 2016 conviction for attempting to support ISIS.
  • Students returned to class Monday with expanded support on campus, including counseling resources and therapy dogs, as a memorial at Constant Hall continues to grow.
  • Family and community members celebrated Shah’s life at a Sunday service at Chartway Arena, sharing personal tributes to his leadership and impact on students.