Old Dominion University Shooting: Gunman Obtained Weapon Despite Terrorism Conviction

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — A man has been charged with selling a firearm to the shooter who opened fire at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday, despite the gunman’s prior conviction in a terrorism case. The shooting left one person dead and two others injured.

Charges Filed Against Kenya Chapman

Kenya Chapman is facing federal charges related to the sale of the weapon to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member. Jalloh reportedly yelled “Allahu akbar” before initiating the shooting in a classroom at the university .

Chapman is charged with making a false statement during a firearm purchase and engaging in the business of firearms dealing without a license. According to court documents, Chapman told agents he stole the gun from a car in Newport News, Virginia, approximately a year before the shooting and subsequently sold it to Jalloh. He claimed he met Jalloh at work and that Jalloh stated he needed the gun for protection as a delivery driver. Chapman admitted to knowing Jalloh had been incarcerated but denied awareness of his previous felony conviction.

Chapman stated he was unaware the man would commit the attack.

Gun with Obliterated Serial Number

Investigators discovered the firearm used in the shooting had an obliterated serial number, complicating efforts to trace its origin. Resurfacing the number is necessary to determine how Jalloh obtained the weapon.

Jalloh’s Background and Release

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a naturalized U.S. Citizen from Sierra Leone, previously pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to aid the Islamic State extremist group. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison but was released in December 2024, approximately 2.5 years early, after completing a drug treatment program. The circumstances of his eligibility for this program, which allows inmates to reduce their sentences, are under scrutiny, as individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses are typically ineligible for such programs .

Jalloh served as a specialist with the Virginia Army National Guard from 2009 until his honorable discharge in 2015.

ROTC Students Subdue Gunman, Victim Identified

The shooting was stopped by ROTC students, who authorities have praised for their bravery in preventing further harm. The victim who died was identified as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a 42-year-old professor of military science at ODU, and a father. Two other individuals were injured. one has been upgraded from critical to fair condition, and the other was treated and released.

The incident occurred during a class or meeting attended by both active-duty servicemembers and ROTC students. Jalloh reportedly confirmed with attendees that it was an ROTC event before opening fire.

FBI Investigation Continues

The FBI is continuing its investigation and has requested public assistance. Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans stated there was no mention of the ongoing war in Iran in connection with the shooting. The FBI had previously warned of potential drone attacks by Iranian operatives in California and noted recent incidents potentially inspired by the Islamic State group .

Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton stated that less than 10 minutes elapsed between the initial call about the shooting and the confirmation that the shooter was deceased.