Old Dominion attacker purchased stolen gun days before attack, ATF says

Old Dominion Shooter Acquired Stolen Weapon Prior to Campus Attack, Federal Sources Indicate

Victim Subdued by Students During Armed Assault

Federal investigators revealed Friday that a Virginia man, previously scrutinized for potential firearms violations, transferred a stolen handgun to an ISIS-linked individual, who used it in a fatal attack at Old Dominion University. Kenya Chapman of Smithfield, VA, was accused of selling a firearm without a license, allegedly providing the weapon used by Mohamed Bailor Jalloh during the shooting that killed one person and wounded others.

Agents executed a search at Chapman’s residence, uncovering .22 caliber ammunition linked to the firearm recovered from the ODU scene, according to an affidavit by ATF Special Agent Brian Gleason. Chapman later confirmed he sold the gun to Jalloh for $100 cash, even presenting the bill to agents as evidence, the document stated.

“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,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Jalloh, a 36-year-old with a history of supporting the Islamic State, was on probation when he launched the assault at ODU on Thursday. The FBI is treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism, citing the attacker’s use of a Glock 44 with a partially altered serial number.

During the attack, multiple students confronted Jalloh, with one of them stabbing him to end the violence. The assailant was rendered unconscious by the students, who collectively subdued him, as reported by Dominique Evans, head of the Norfolk field office for the ATF. Army Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah lost his life in the attack, while two other military personnel were injured.

“The Old Dominion University community is grieving following the tragic act of violence on our main campus,” stated a message from the school’s ROTC website. “We mourn with and support Lt. Col. Brandon Shah’s family, students, and colleagues, and all members of the ODU Army ROTC community.”

ODU freshman Caleb Hardman described the student who stopped the shooter as a hero. “He just said he heard the shots and, like, ran as fast as he ever has,” Hardman said, noting his roommate was in the building where the attack occurred.

Campus chaplain Brooke Barnett has been meeting with students since the incident, emphasizing their shock and sorrow. “They can’t believe it would happen here,” she remarked.

Chapman, who faced investigation in 2021 for suspected straw purchasing of three guns—two of which were used in a homicide—was ordered into custody. His court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. Federal authorities highlighted the collaborative efforts of agencies to apprehend the threat and secure justice for the victims.

Chloe Atkins reports for the NBC News National Security and Law Unit, based in New York. Tom Winter is NBC’s National Law Enforcement and Intelligence Correspondent. Jonathan Dienst serves as chief justice contributor for NBC News and chief investigative reporter for WNBC-TV.