Man Accused Of Selling Gun Used In Old Dominion Terror Attack Charged
Authorities are continuing to investigate how the gun used in last week’s deadly shooting at Old Dominion University ended up in the hands of the attacker, after federal officials announced the arrest of the man accused of illegally selling the weapon.
Police say Mohamed Jalloh opened fire during an ROTC class on March 12, killing Brandon Shah and injuring two others, according to reporting from 13News Now.
Authorities said Jalloh had previously served prison time after attempting to provide material support to ISIS. Officials confirmed he was on supervised release when the shooting occurred and was ultimately killed during the incident.
Illegal Gun Sale Leads to Arrest
Investigators say the firearm used in the attack was illegally sold to Jalloh by Kenya Chapman.
According to court documents, Chapman sold Jalloh a .22 caliber Glock 44 with an altered serial number.
An affidavit from an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives states the gun was sold for $100. Authorities said Chapman was still in possession of the same $100 bill when he was arrested, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized it as evidence.
Chapman was taken into custody Friday after federal agents executed a search warrant at an apartment in Smithfield, Virginia where he had been staying. Investigators reportedly spent about six hours searching the residence before making the arrest.
Gun Reportedly Stolen Before Sale
Authorities say the gun had been stolen prior to the sale.
According to investigators, Chapman initially told agents he had discovered the firearm in the woods. He later admitted he stole the gun from a car in Newport News, Virginia roughly a year earlier.
Officials also said Chapman previously drew the attention of federal investigators.
Court records show the ATF investigated him in 2021 over suspected involvement in straw purchasing — a scheme where someone buys firearms for individuals who are legally prohibited from owning them.
Agents issued Chapman a warning at the time but did not pursue charges. Officials later confirmed the ATF had no record of Chapman purchasing firearms legally in the past year.
Attack Details and Investigation
Officials said Jalloh shouted “Allahu Akbar” — a phrase that translates to “God is great” — before opening fire inside the ROTC classroom.
Cellphone data reviewed by investigators placed Jalloh near the Smithfield apartment multiple times before the attack. Authorities said the device left the area the morning of March 12 and traveled toward the university campus.
During the search of the apartment, agents also located a bag containing .22 caliber ammunition that matched the caliber of the firearm used in the shooting.
Chapman reportedly told investigators he knew Jalloh through work and claimed Jalloh said he wanted the gun for protection while working as a delivery driver.
However, Jen Kiggans said she does not believe the suspect was employed at the time.
“That person who sold that terrorist affiliated person a gun, he stole that gun out of cars,” Kiggans said, warning that illegal gun trafficking continues to pose a serious threat.
Federal Officials Criticize Prior Decision
Chapman now faces federal charges including dealing firearms without a license and making false statements during firearm purchases.
If convicted, he could face up to 35 years in prison.
Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized the earlier decision not to prosecute Chapman when he first came under investigation.
“The Biden Department of Justice declined to prosecute this man and let him off easy with a warning,” Bondi said. “Left-wing soft-on-crime policies cost lives but this Department of Justice doesn’t tolerate crime, we punish it,” Bondi said.
Kash Patel also addressed the arrest, emphasizing that federal investigators are determined to hold everyone involved accountable.
“If you steal firearms, lie on federal forms, and put weapons in the hands of convicted terrorists, this FBI will find you,” Patel said. “I want to thank our Norfolk Field Office and partners who continue to work to bring to justice those responsible for yesterday’s attack,” Patel said.
Federal officials say the broader investigation into the shooting remains ongoing as authorities continue working to determine whether anyone else may have been involved in supplying the weapon or aiding the attacker.