Man Charged for Allegedly Supplying Gun Used in Deadly Virginia University Shooting
by admin on | 2026-03-14 10:34:58
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Authorities in the United States have charged a man accused of illegally selling a firearm to the suspect responsible for a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday inside a classroom on campus, left one person dead and two others injured. Federal investigators are treating the attack as a possible act of terrorism.
Alleged Gun Seller Faces Federal Charges
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 32-year-old Kenya Chapman has been charged with multiple federal offences related to firearms. Prosecutors say Chapman sold the weapon to the suspected attacker, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, only days before the shooting took place.
Investigators claim the gun had originally been stolen from a vehicle in Newport News roughly a year earlier. Authorities allege Chapman later transferred the firearm to Jalloh without the proper legal authorization.
The charges against Chapman include providing false information during a firearm purchase and engaging in the sale of weapons without a federal license.
Suspect Subdued by Students
The suspected gunman, 36-year-old Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, reportedly entered a classroom and asked whether it was a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) session before opening fire.
Federal agents say he shouted a religious phrase before the attack began.
Several ROTC students inside the room quickly intervened and managed to overpower the attacker. Officials say their actions stopped the shooting and likely prevented further casualties.
Law enforcement officers later confirmed that the suspect died during the struggle with the students.
Victims Identified
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger confirmed that the person killed in the attack was Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, an ROTC instructor at the university.
The governor described Shah as a dedicated officer and mentor who had committed his career to training future military leaders.
Two other individuals were injured during the attack. One victim was reported to be in critical condition, while the other received medical treatment and was later discharged from hospital.
Previous Terrorism Conviction
Investigators revealed that the suspect had a prior conviction connected to extremist activities. In 2016, Jalloh was arrested and later pleaded guilty to attempting to provide support to the Islamic State militant group.
He was sentenced in 2017 and released from prison in 2024.
Authorities say the earlier case involved plans for a potential attack inspired by a past shooting at a military base in Texas.
Due to the suspect’s history and statements made during the attack, the FBI has opened a terrorism investigation into the incident.
Authorities Praise Students' Actions
Federal officials have praised the ROTC students who confronted the attacker during the shooting. FBI representatives stated that their quick response likely prevented a much larger tragedy.
The FBI director also publicly thanked the students and law enforcement officers for their rapid response to the emergency.
Separate Security Incident in Michigan
The university shooting occurred shortly before another security incident in Michigan, where a vehicle crashed into a synagogue and school building.
Authorities confirmed that children and staff members were safely evacuated. One security guard was injured during the incident but is expected to recover.
Investigations into both events remain ongoing.
