'So pathetic': Virginia governor nailed with backlash over response to possible terror attack at Old Dominion

As the Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating a possible terrorist shooting at Old Dominion University, the Democratic governor of Virginia is getting hit with backlash over her statements about the incident.

One person was killed and two others were injured when an armed man attacked on Thursday, but other students were able to "subdue" him and kill him, according to the FBI. The deceased victim was later identified as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, an ODU professor of military science.

'She won't say it now because she's a Democrat politician. That's how evil and depraved she and her party have become.'

Authorities have identified the deceased alleged shooter as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard who was previously convicted of trying to provide support to the ISIS terror group.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger offered a statement that did not acknowledge the alleged killer or his likely motivation.

"Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was killed today in his classroom at Old Dominion University. A devoted ROTC instructor, Lt. Col. Shah didn't just lead a life of service to our country, he taught and led others to follow that path," she posted.

"I am grateful for his example, deeply saddened by his death, and praying for his family. Amid this tragedy, I thank the brave students, first responders, and law enforcement officers who responded quickly to today's horrific attack," she added.

Spanberger was immediately assailed online by her critics.

"There was a time when this woman — a former CIA colleague of mine — would have unapologetically said 'Brandon Shah was killed today by an Islamic terrorist ...,'" former CIA officer Bryan Dean Wright posted. "She won't say it now because she's a Democrat politician. That's how evil and depraved she and her party have become."

"If you only read the Governor of Virginia's post, you'd have no idea he was murdered by a terrorist because of his service and love of country. Purposeful omission. You're a disgrace," Fox News podcast host Riley Gaines said.

"WHO killed him? And why are you afraid to say it??" Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas replied.

RELATED: Heroic students subdued suspected terrorist in Old Dominion attack and 'rendered him no longer alive,' says FBI

"She can't even say this was an act of terrorism. So pathetic, especially ... since she has the largest naval base in her state," radio show host Jeanne Ives said.

Spanberger campaigned as a moderate Democrat, but since she got into office she has implemented sweeping far-left policies that include an effort to gerrymander the state's congressional districts.

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