Justice Department charges man accused of selling gun to Old Dominion shooter

Kenya Chapman allegedly sold a stolen gun to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who used it to kill one person and wound two others at the university

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Justice Department has charged Kenya Chapman with selling a stolen gun to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member who used the weapon to kill one person and wound two others in a shooting at Old Dominion University. Authorities say Chapman stole the gun and sold it to Jalloh, who had previously spent eight years in prison for attempting to aid the Islamic State group.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and the ability of convicted felons to obtain firearms, as well as the challenges of preventing attacks by individuals with extremist ties who are released from prison early.

The details

According to court documents, Chapman told federal agents that he stole the gun from a car in Newport News, Virginia, about a year before the shooting and recently sold it to Jalloh, who said he needed it for protection as a delivery driver. Chapman denied knowing that Jalloh had a previous felony conviction, which made it illegal for him to possess a firearm. Authorities were able to trace the partially obliterated serial number on the gun and connect it to Chapman through phone records showing multiple calls between him and Jalloh in the week before the shooting.

  • On March 13, 2026, a man was charged with selling a stolen gun to the Old Dominion shooter.
  • The shooting occurred on March 12, 2026, when Jalloh opened fire in a classroom attended by ROTC students, killing one and wounding two others.

The players

Kenya Chapman

A man charged with selling a stolen gun to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, the shooter at Old Dominion University.

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh

A former member of the Army National Guard who used a stolen gun to kill one person and wound two others in a shooting at Old Dominion University. Jalloh had previously spent eight years in prison for attempting to aid the Islamic State group.

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah

A 42-year-old professor of military science at Old Dominion University who was killed in the shooting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Chapman allegedly stole a firearm and illegally sold it to a convicted terrorist, who murdered a decorated American veteran, and he will finally face the full weight of justice.”

— Todd Blanche, U.S. Deputy Attorney General

“Above all else, Lt. Col. Shah embodied what it means to be a devoted family man, a revered leader, and heroic protector even in his final moments.”

— Brian Hemphill, Old Dominion University President

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Kenya Chapman out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and the ability of convicted felons to obtain firearms, as well as the challenges of preventing attacks by individuals with extremist ties who are released from prison early. It also underscores the bravery of the ROTC students who intervened to stop further loss of life.