NORFOLK, VA — Federal authorities have charged Kenya Mcchell Chapman, 32, for his role in the March 12, 2026, attack at Old Dominion University (ODU). Chapman is accused of illegally selling the firearm used by the gunman in an assault that left one professor dead and two students wounded.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The shooting, which the FBI is currently investigating as an act of domestic terrorism, claimed the life of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a decorated Army veteran and professor of military science.
The Charges
Chapman appeared in federal court on March 13, 2026, facing multiple felony counts that could result in up to 35 years in prison:
- Unlicensed Firearms Dealing: Engaging in the business of selling guns without a federal license.
- False Statements: Providing misleading information during previous firearm purchases (straw purchasing).
- Illegal Transfer: Selling a firearm to a known convicted felon.
Investigation Highlights
According to court documents and federal affidavits, the transaction between Chapman and the gunman, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was a critical link in the tragedy:
- The Transaction: Chapman allegedly sold a stolen .22 caliber handgun to Jalloh for $100 just days before the shooting. The weapon had been reported stolen from a vehicle in Newport News a year prior.
- The Gunman’s History: Jalloh was a prohibited person under federal law. A former Army National Guard member, he had served time for attempting to provide material support to ISIS in 2016 and was on supervised release at the time of the ODU attack.
- Chapman’s Defense: Chapman admitted to investigators that he knew Jalloh had “spent time behind bars” but claimed he believed the gun was for Jalloh’s protection while working as a delivery driver.
- The Evidence: Traced phone records and a search of Chapman’s residence—which uncovered matching ammunition—linked him directly to the sale.
A History of Warnings
The Department of Justice revealed that Chapman was not a stranger to law enforcement. In 2021, the ATF investigated him for “straw purchasing” three firearms. Notably, two of those weapons were later recovered at homicide scenes. While Chapman received a warning letter at the time, he was not prosecuted—a fact current officials are highlighting as they call for stricter enforcement of existing gun laws.
