Old Dominion attacker purchased stolen gun days before attack, ATF says
Old Dominion attacker purchased stolen gun days before attack, ATF says
Investigation Reveals Stolen Weapon Connection
Federal authorities confirmed that Kenya Chapman, a Virginia resident, sold a stolen firearm to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who later used it in a fatal shooting at Old Dominion University. The weapon, a Glock 44 with a .22 caliber barrel, was reportedly altered in its serial number before being employed in the attack. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Chapman’s residence, uncovering ammunition matching the gun recovered from the scene, as detailed in an affidavit by ATF Special Agent Brian Gleason.
Chapman Admits Sale to Convicted Terrorist
Chapman confessed to selling the weapon to Jalloh for $100 cash, even presenting the bill to agents as evidence. According to the affidavit, he stole the firearm from a vehicle in Newport News, Virginia, about a year before the shooting. Jalloh, a 36-year-old man with a prior conviction for supporting the Islamic State, was on probation at the time of the incident.
Attack Ends with Student Intervention
The assailant was subdued by students who rushed into the ROTC classroom during the attack. One of them stabbed Jalloh, rendering him unconscious. Dominique Evans, head of the Norfolk field office, noted that the students “neutralized the threat” and prevented additional casualties. Army Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah was killed, and two other soldiers were injured in the incident.
Chapman Faces Legal Proceedings
Chapman, previously investigated for straw purchasing in 2021, is now charged with selling a firearm without a license. He was detained and has a court hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Federal prosecutors stated the weapon sold to Jalloh was directly linked to the ODU shooting.
FBI Explores Terrorism Ties
The FBI is examining the attack as a potential terrorist act, emphasizing the need to uncover all relevant leads. Authorities urged the public to provide information about Jalloh, who had expressed remorse during his 2017 sentencing, stating his actions “did not reflect his values or beliefs.”
Community Responds to Tragedy
ODU’s ROTC program expressed deep sorrow over the attack, calling it a “devastating event” for the campus. A freshman student, Caleb Hardman, praised the individual who stopped the shooter, describing them as “a hero” for rushing into danger. Campus chaplain Brooke Barnett has been supporting students grappling with shock and grief in small group sessions.
“The shooting at ODU is a tragic event for our community,” said an FBI statement. “We mourn the loss of life while we acknowledge the students who showed extreme bravery and courage by stopping the shooter and preventing further loss of life.”
“Thanks to the hard work of our dedicated ATF and FBI agents, in partnership with state and local law enforcement officers, we have arrested and charged this safety threat and removed him from the community,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche added.
Reporting Credits
Chloe Atkins contributes to the NBC News National Security and Law Unit from New York. Tom Winter serves as NBC’s National Law Enforcement and Intelligence Correspondent. Jonathan Dienst is the chief justice contributor for NBC News and chief investigative reporter for WNBC-TV.
