DOJ Charges Man for Selling Gun Used in ODU Shooting

UPDATE: The U.S. Department of Justice has just charged Kenya Chapman for selling a stolen gun to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, the shooter responsible for the tragic March 12, 2026, incident at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. This urgent development comes as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the shooting that left one dead and two injured.

Court documents reveal Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member, opened fire during a class attended by active-duty servicemembers and ROTC students. Before initiating the attack, Jalloh reportedly asked attendees to confirm it was an ROTC event, amplifying the horror of the situation. The shooting resulted in the death of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a decorated veteran and professor, while another victim remains in critical condition.

Chapman allegedly confessed to federal agents that he stole the firearm from a parked vehicle in Newport News, Virginia, approximately a year prior to the shooting. The gun, which had a partially obliterated serial number, complicated tracing efforts, but authorities ultimately identified Chapman through phone records linking him to Jalloh in the days leading up to the attack.

The DOJ report indicates that Chapman has been charged with making a false statement during a firearm purchase and unlawfully engaging in firearms dealing without a license. “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,” stated U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on social media.

This case underscores serious concerns about gun access and illegal sales, especially following previous investigations into Chapman for straw purchases. In 2021, he received a warning from federal authorities regarding his involvement in illegal firearm transactions.

Witnesses to the shooting have described the chaos that ensued on campus. Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton confirmed that law enforcement arrived within minutes and quickly neutralized Jalloh, who was subdued by ROTC students before officers arrived.

The emotional toll of this incident is profound. As the university community mourns the loss of Lt. Col. Shah, tributes have poured in. Friends like Eddie Flack have paid their respects in heartfelt gestures, emphasizing the need for love and unity in times of tragedy. “We need to spread more love and not this hatred,” Flack said as he honored his fallen friend.

The investigation continues to seek answers regarding Jalloh’s motives, with FBI officials stating that there was no indication he referenced the ongoing conflict in Iran during the attack. The university and law enforcement are urging anyone with information to come forward.

As the community grapples with this shocking event, attention now turns to how authorities will address the systemic issues surrounding firearm accessibility and the legal consequences for those who facilitate illegal sales. The aftermath of this shooting serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for policy reform and community safety measures.

Stay tuned for more developing updates as this situation unfolds. The fight against gun violence and illegal firearm sales remains a critical conversation in American society today.