ODU Shooting: Man Charged for Selling Gun to Former ISIS Recruit

Old Dominion University Shooting: Man Charged with Selling Gun to Former Terrorism Convict

Norfolk, Virginia – A man has been charged by the Justice Department with selling a firearm to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, the former Army National Guard member who opened fire at Old Dominion University (ODU) on Thursday, resulting in one death and two injuries. The charges come as investigators probe how Jalloh, previously convicted in a terrorism-related case, was able to obtain a weapon despite being legally prohibited from possessing one. The incident has reignited debate surrounding gun control and the monitoring of individuals with extremist backgrounds.

Kenya Chapman, the man facing federal charges, allegedly sold the firearm to Jalloh knowing he had been incarcerated, though he claims he was unaware of the prior terrorism conviction. According to court documents, Chapman told investigators he stole the gun approximately a year before the sale from a vehicle in Newport News, Virginia, and sold it to Jalloh after meeting him at operate. Jalloh reportedly told Chapman he needed the weapon for protection as a delivery driver. The case highlights the complexities of tracing illegal firearms and the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing weapons from falling into the hands of individuals deemed a risk to public safety.

The shooting occurred on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in a classroom at ODU’s business school. Jalloh reportedly yelled “Allahu akbar” before initiating the attack. He was ultimately subdued and killed by ROTC students, whose bravery has been widely praised by officials. The victim who died has been identified as Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, a 42-year-old professor of military science and an ROTC leader at the university. Two other individuals were injured in the shooting. one was initially hospitalized in critical condition but has since been upgraded to fair condition, while the other was treated and released, according to Sentara Health.

Background of the Shooter and Prior Conviction

Mohamed Bailor Jalloh had a prior felony conviction for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State extremist group. He pleaded guilty in 2016 and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. However, he was released from federal custody in December 2024, approximately two and a half years before his sentence was due to expire. This early release was reportedly due to his completion of a drug treatment program, which allowed him to shave time off his sentence. The circumstances surrounding his eligibility for this program are currently under scrutiny, as individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses are typically ineligible for such sentence reductions.

Jalloh served as a specialist with the Virginia Army National Guard from 2009 until his honorable discharge in 2015. His military background adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, raising questions about potential warning signs that may have been missed. The FBI had previously investigated Jalloh in connection with an ISIS-related case approximately ten years prior to the shooting, according to reports.

Investigation into the Firearm and Potential Complications

Investigators discovered that the firearm used in the shooting had its serial number obliterated, complicating efforts to trace its origin. According to a law enforcement official who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, investigators will need to “re-surface” the serial number to determine how Jalloh obtained the weapon. This deliberate act of removing the serial number suggests an attempt to conceal the firearm’s history and make it more difficult to trace.

Response and Remembrance

The swift response of the Old Dominion University Police Department and the bravery of the ROTC students were credited with preventing further casualties. Authorities stated that less than ten minutes elapsed between the initial call about the shooting and the confirmation that the shooter was deceased. The U.S. Army Cadet Command confirmed that three members of the ROTC program were injured, including Lieutenant Colonel Shah, who tragically lost his life.

Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah is being remembered as a devoted family man, a respected leader, and a heroic protector. Friends and colleagues have shared heartfelt tributes, highlighting his dedication to his family, his students, and his country. Eddie Flack, a close friend of Shah, poured out a bottle of whiskey on campus in his honor, expressing his grief and calling for more love and less hatred in the world.

Broader Context and Ongoing Concerns

The Old Dominion University shooting occurred amidst heightened global tensions, including the ongoing conflict between the U.S. And Israel with Iran. While the FBI has stated there was no connection between the shooting and the international conflict, the incident underscores the broader concerns about potential radicalization and violence. The FBI has also issued warnings about potential drone attacks by Iranian operatives in California and has investigated other incidents involving individuals allegedly inspired by extremist ideologies.

The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of the nation’s systems for monitoring and rehabilitating individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses. The fact that Jalloh was able to obtain a firearm after serving time in prison and completing a supervised release program highlights potential gaps in the process. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his release and the availability of firearms to individuals with a history of extremist activity.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. The FBI is seeking to gather as much information as possible about Jalloh’s background, motivations, and the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the firearm. The community is grappling with grief and shock, and efforts are underway to provide support to those affected by the tragedy.

The next step in the legal process will be Chapman’s initial court appearance, where he will be formally arraigned on the federal charges. Further details regarding the investigation and any potential policy changes are expected to be released by the Justice Department and other relevant agencies in the coming days and weeks. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of gun violence and the importance of addressing the underlying factors that contribute to it.

We encourage readers to share their thoughts and condolences in the comments below. If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the FBI or local law enforcement authorities.