Overview of #295 — Samuel Reineberg: First‑Hand Account of the Old Dominion Terrorist Attack
This episode of The Sean Ryan Show features Cadet Samuel (Sam) Reineberg, an Army prior‑enlisted soldier and ODU ROTC senior, who gives a first‑person account of the March 12, 2026 active‑shooter attack at Old Dominion University’s ROTC classroom. Reineberg describes the moments before and during the shooting, how he and several fellow cadets subdued the shooter, his efforts to treat Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shaw (who later died), the emotional aftermath, and his views on prevention and policy failures that he believes made this attack preventable.
Key takeaways
- The active shooter entered an ROTC classroom on March 12, 2026 and opened fire almost immediately after confirming the room. Shots began at about 10:43 a.m.
- Cadets — led by Reineberg and three others — physically tackled and disarmed the shooter within roughly four minutes of the first emergency call; police arrived about four minutes after the first 911 call.
- Lieutenant Colonel Brandon (Brandon) Shaw was shot in the upper leg, received immediate tourniquet and emergency care from cadets and officers, but later died at the hospital. Two cadets were injured (one leg wound, one abdominal wound).
- Reineberg performed life‑saving first aid (applying tourniquets, moving Shaw for treatment), was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal (being upgraded to a Soldier’s Medal), and describes ongoing emotional/psychological effects.
- Reineberg and the host express strong criticism of policy decisions (early prison release via an RDAP loophole) that allowed the attacker — who had a prior terrorism conviction — to be released early.
Timeline (as described by Reineberg / official timeline read in show)
- ~09:20 a.m. — Class begins (military science senior class taught by Lt. Col. Brandon Shaw).
- 10:43 a.m. — Attacker enters classroom, asks if it’s ROTC, shouts “Allahu Akbar” and opens fire.
- 10:43–10:47 a.m. — Cadets engage and subdue the shooter; cadets physically pin/disarm the attacker and render the weapon safe.
- 10:47 a.m. — Police arrive on campus (about four minutes after first call); attacker is found deceased at the scene.
- 12:10 p.m. — Campus all‑clear issued later that day. (Transcript gives detailed timeline and timestamps consistent with the above.)
What Reineberg and other cadets did — actions and medical aid
- Immediate response: Reineberg ducked, then ran forward to the front of the classroom and joined other cadets who were already on the shooter.
- Disarmament: Reineberg and another cadet put their hands on top of the shooter’s pistol slide to prevent firing while teammates wrestled the gun away.
- Wounding of attacker: Multiple cadets stabbed and beat the shooter until he was no longer a threat.
- Medical aid for Lt. Col. Brandon Shaw:
- Reineberg and other cadets located a high‑thigh gunshot wound.
- They applied improvised tourniquets (belts), moved Shaw into the hallway for space, tightened tourniquets as needed, and continued basic airway/breathing checks.
- Reineberg describes carrying Shaw down two flights of stairs to the building exterior where emergency personnel took over.
- Reineberg then provided statements to police, spent hours at the station, and received medical decontamination for blood exposure.
Casualties and immediate outcomes
- Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shaw — fatally wounded (single gunshot to upper leg). Died later at the hospital; funeral followed with honors.
- Two cadets injured:
- One shot in the leg (later discharged from hospital).
- One shot in the abdomen (underwent surgery and recovering in hospital at the time of interview).
- Attacker — died at the scene; reportedly carried a .22 Glock (Glock 44 as mentioned), legally purchased.
Emotional impact and recovery
- Reineberg describes:
- Acute stress, disrupted sleep, loss of appetite, intrusive images (particularly Shaw’s eyes and the imagery of caring for him).
- Periodic bouts of survivor’s guilt, sadness, and difficulty processing the funeral and family interactions.
- Reliance on peers, mentors, chaplains, prior‑service leadership, and physical activity (gardening, staying busy) rather than formal therapy (he hasn’t started therapy at time of interview).
- Gratitude for recognition and leadership presence at ceremonies (Sergeant Major of the Army and Secretary of the Army present during awards).
- Host emphasizes watching for delayed psychological effects and offers support/resources.
Security, policy and prevention issues raised
- Radicalization and criminal history (per timeline presented in the interview):
- The attacker had prior service in the National Guard, became exposed to extremist materials, traveled overseas and made contact with extremist elements, and was convicted in 2016 for attempting to provide material support to ISIS (pled guilty).
- Sentenced in 2017 to 11 years; transcript reports he served ~8.5 years and was released early (Dec 23, 2024) after completing an RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Program) — an early‑release loophole the Bureau of Prisons later closed in 2025.
- Reineberg and the host argue this early release was a preventable policy failure.
- University response and changes:
- Increased law enforcement presence and force protection for ROTC events and training.
- University outreach: president called Reineberg, hosted dinner with the cadets involved, committed to memorial actions (naming, tributes, increased visibility/security at events).
Notable quotes and moments
- Reineberg on Shaw: “I miss you, man. I hope you know I tried my best. We tried our best.”
- On the cadence of the attack and response: “Shots started at 10:43… police arrived four minutes after the first call… we neutralized him in under four minutes.”
- Reineberg on emotional focus: “The terrorist part doesn’t really bother me… it’s Colonel Shaw and taking care of him. That’s the hard part.”
- Host’s policy reaction: outrage that someone convicted of attempting to aid ISIS was released early and that government policies may indirectly enable future attacks.
Recommendations & resources (practical next steps implied by the interview)
- For listeners at risk or affected by trauma:
- Seek peer support, chaplains, mentors, and professional mental‑health care (VA, university counseling, EAP, trauma/PTSD specialists).
- Monitor for delayed symptoms (sleep problems, intrusive memories, avoidance, mood changes) and get early help.
- For institutions:
- Review campus security protocols, access controls to classrooms, visibility of campus law enforcement for high‑risk units.
- Ensure timely communication and support for students and staff after critical incidents.
- Policy suggestion (per interview): review and close legal loopholes that allow early release of individuals with terrorist convictions; tighter post‑release supervision for extremist offenders.
Quick facts (concise)
- Date: March 12, 2026
- Location: Old Dominion University — ROTC classroom (Constant Hall)
- Shooter: named in transcript variably (Mohammed Jala / Jalah); had prior terrorism conviction for attempting to support ISIS (pled guilty Oct 2016)
- Time of shooter entry & first shots: ~10:43 a.m.
- Police arrival: ~10:47 a.m.
- Primary casualty: Lt. Col. Brandon Shaw (killed)
- Injured cadets: two (leg wound; abdominal wound)
- Reineberg honors: Meritorious Service Medal (being upgraded to Soldier’s Medal)
Final notes
This episode is a direct, detailed first‑person narrative of a campus active‑shooter event from someone who both fought the attacker and administered immediate medical aid to a fallen leader. It covers tactical actions in the moment, the human cost (funeral and family), and broader policy concerns about radicalization and criminal‑justice decisions. The interview also underscores the importance of peer support and institutional accountability after mass‑violence incidents.