Old Dominion University Shooting: Man Charged with Illegally Supplying Firearm to Gunman
Federal authorities have arrested Kenya Chapman, 32, of Smithfield, Virginia, and charged him with offenses related to the unlawful sale of a firearm to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, the gunman who carried out the shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) on March 12, 2026. Jalloh, a convicted ISIS supporter, killed one person and injured two others before being subdued and killed by ROTC students.
Charges Against Kenya Chapman
Chapman faces federal charges of dealing in firearms without a license and making false statements during firearm purchases according to the Department of Justice. He allegedly sold a Glock 44 .22 caliber gun to Jalloh, despite the gunman’s prior felony conviction which prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm.
Details of the Illegal Sale
According to court documents, Chapman told investigators he stole the firearm approximately one year before the shooting from a vehicle in Newport News, Virginia as reported by FOX 5 DC. He then sold the gun to Jalloh after meeting him at work. Chapman stated that Jalloh told him he needed the weapon for protection as a delivery driver. Chapman claimed he was unaware of Jalloh’s felony conviction, though he knew Jalloh had been incarcerated as detailed in The Guardian.
The Shooting at Old Dominion University
The shooting occurred on Thursday morning in a classroom at ODU. Before opening fire, Jalloh reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” according to investigators. ROTC students quickly intervened, subduing and ultimately killing Jalloh. One instructor was killed, and two students were injured.
Jalloh’s Background and Prior Conviction
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh was previously convicted in 2016 for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State (ISIS) as reported by Channel 2 Now. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison but was released in December 2024 due to completion of a substance abuse treatment program. During his initial guilty plea, Jalloh admitted to communicating with an ISIS member overseas and an FBI confidential informant, discussing potential attack timelines, even suggesting Ramadan as a preferable time for an operation.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism. Investigators are also examining how Jalloh obtained a firearm despite his prior conviction. The handgun used in the shooting had an obliterated serial number, which could complicate tracing its origin according to reports. Chapman was ordered detained pending his next court appearance on March 17 and has not yet entered a plea.