Federal Charges Filed Against Man Accused of Selling Gun to Old Dominion University Shooter
The US Department of Justice has charged a man with federal offenses related to the illegal sale of a firearm to the shooter responsible for a deadly incident at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Virginia. Kenya Chapman faces allegations of making false statements during a firearm purchase and operating as an unlicensed firearms dealer.
Details of the Shooting and Investigation
On Thursday, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former army national guard member with a prior felony conviction for attempting to aid the Islamic State extremist group, opened fire in a classroom at ODU. Authorities report that he yelled "Allahu Akbar" before targeting the room, which was occupied by both active duty service members and ROTC students. Jalloh specifically asked attendees to confirm it was an ROTC event before commencing the attack.
The shooting resulted in the death of Lt Col Brandon Shah, a 42-year-old professor of military science and ROTC leader, and left two others injured. Shah, a veteran helicopter pilot who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and eastern Europe, was described by ODU President Brian Hemphill as a devoted family man and heroic protector.
Charges and Allegations Against the Seller
According to court documents, Chapman admitted to stealing the firearm from a car in Newport News, Virginia, approximately a year prior to the shooting. He later sold the weapon to Jalloh, whom he met at work. Chapman stated that Jalloh claimed to need the gun for protection as a delivery driver. Although Chapman acknowledged knowing Jalloh had spent time in prison, he denied awareness of the prior felony conviction that legally barred Jalloh from possessing firearms.
Investigators revealed that the gun used in the attack had an obliterated serial number, complicating efforts to trace its origins. Chapman has asserted he had no foreknowledge of Jalloh's intent to commit violence.
Background of the Shooter and Aftermath
Jalloh pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to aid the Islamic State and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was released from federal custody in December 2024 and was under supervised release at the time of the shooting. During the incident, he was subdued and killed by ROTC students, whom FBI officials praised for their bravery in preventing further casualties.
At a news conference, FBI Special Agent Dominique Evans confirmed there was no mention of the ongoing conflict involving Iran in connection with the attack. However, the incident occurs amid broader security concerns, including warnings from the FBI about potential drone attacks by Iranian operatives in California and other recent acts of violence linked to extremist ideologies.
The case highlights ongoing issues related to illegal gun sales and the challenges in preventing firearms from reaching individuals with dangerous backgrounds, despite legal restrictions.
