Old Dominion attacker purchased stolen gun days before attack, ATF says
Old Dominion attacker purchased stolen gun days before attack, ATF says
Federal authorities revealed on Friday that a Virginia man, previously scrutinized for potential firearms offenses, sold a stolen handgun to a convicted ISIS supporter. This weapon was later used in a fatal shooting at Old Dominion University. Kenya Chapman, residing in Smithfield, was charged with selling a firearm without a license, as outlined in an affidavit by ATF Special Agent Brian Gleason.
Stolen Weapon and Criminal Background
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Chapman’s residence, uncovering .22 caliber ammunition linked to the gun recovered from the ODU shooting, according to Gleason. Chapman confessed to transferring the weapon to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh for $100 cash, and presented the bill to agents as proof, the affidavit noted. The firearm, stolen from a vehicle in Newport News a year before the attack, was used in the incident that occurred on Thursday.
Students’ Heroic Response
During the chaos, multiple students confronted the assailant, with one of them stabbing him. The attacker was eventually subdued, rendering him unconscious. Dominique Evans, head of the ATF’s Norfolk field office, stated that the students’ actions “no longer left the shooter alive.” Army Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah lost his life in the attack, while two other military personnel were injured, officials confirmed.
Legal Consequences and Investigation
Chapman, who faced an investigation in 2021 for possibly straw purchasing three guns—two of which were used in a homicide—was ordered into custody. A court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. Jalloh, a 36-year-old on probation, had previously admitted guilt for supporting the Islamic State. At his 2017 sentencing, he expressed regret, stating his actions didn’t align with his values.
“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.
The FBI is treating the attack as a potential terrorism act, urging the public to provide information about Jalloh. “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,” Blanche added.
“The shooting at ODU is a tragic event for our community,” stated an FBI spokesperson. “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. The FBI is going to dig in and track down every single lead as we work alongside our partners to find answers.”
ODU freshman Caleb Hardman commended the individual who intervened to subdue the shooter. “The guy who stopped it (is) a hero,” Hardman remarked, noting that his roommate was present in the building where the shooting took place. Campus chaplain Brooke Barnett has been supporting “shocked” and “sad” students through small group discussions, expressing their disbelief at the tragedy.
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 is chief justice contributor for NBC News and chief investigative reporter for WNBC-TV.
