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

Old Dominion University Shooter Acquired Stolen Weapon Before Attack, ATF Reports

Federal investigators have confirmed that a Virginia resident, previously flagged for potential firearm violations, transferred a stolen handgun to a man convicted of supporting ISIS. The weapon was later used in the fatal shooting at Old Dominion University, authorities disclosed Friday. Kenya Chapman, a resident of Smithfield, is accused of selling the firearm without a proper license, and the ATF linked it directly to the attack that unfolded at the university on Thursday.

Law enforcement executed a search at Chapman’s residence, uncovering .22 caliber ammunition matching the gun recovered from the scene. An affidavit by ATF Special Agent Brian Gleason stated that the ammunition was “consistent with the firearm used in the ODU shooting.” Chapman confessed to handing over the weapon to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh for $100 and even “displayed the bill received from the assailant” to agents, the document noted.

Jalloh, a 36-year-old on probation, allegedly used a modified Glock 44 .22 caliber firearm during the attack. The weapon’s serial number had been partially altered, according to court filings. Prosecutors confirmed the gun sold by Chapman was the one responsible for the deaths and injuries at the university. “Chapman stole a firearm and sold it to a convicted terrorist, who killed a decorated veteran,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche remarked in a statement.

“Thanks to the efforts of ATF and FBI agents, working with state and local law enforcement, we’ve arrested this threat and removed him from the community,” Blanche added.

In 2021, Chapman faced scrutiny for “straw purchasing” three guns, two of which were later tied to a homicide. He was detained and has a court date scheduled for Tuesday. The attack concluded when students confronted Jalloh, with one stabbing him as he fired inside a ROTC classroom. “The attacker was subdued by students who rendered him no longer alive,” said Dominique Evans, head of the Norfolk field office.

“Multiple students engaged the shooter, and one of them stabbed him,” officials noted, citing two senior law enforcement sources.

Army Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah, a veteran, died in the assault, while two others were injured. The ROTC community at Old Dominion expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Our campus is in mourning after this violent act.” The school acknowledged the bravery of students who “stopped the shooter and prevented additional casualties.”

“The guy who stopped it is a hero,” said Caleb Hardman, an ODU freshman whose roommate was in the building during the attack. “He just heard the shots and ran as fast as he ever has.”

Campus chaplain Brooke Barnett has been supporting students in small groups, describing their reactions as “shocked” and “sad.” Jalloh had previously apologized at his 2017 sentencing, claiming the violence did not align with his values. The FBI is now examining the shooting as a potential act of terrorism and urging the public to share information about the suspect.

“We mourn the loss of life while honoring the students’ courage,” an FBI statement said. “The agency will pursue every lead to uncover the truth.”

The incident highlights the role of stolen weapons in recent attacks and underscores the collaboration between federal and local agencies in addressing such threats. With Jalloh’s background as an ISIS supporter, the case has drawn attention to the broader issue of firearms accessibility and radicalization. Investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance.