Norfolk, VA – A Virginia man has been charged with federal crimes related to the shooting at Old Dominion University (ODU) on March 12, 2026, that left one person dead and two others wounded. Kenya Mcchell Chapman, 32, of Smithfield, Virginia, appeared in federal court today facing charges of dealing in firearms without a license and making false statements during firearm purchases, according to a statement from the Department of Justice.
The charges stem from allegations that Chapman illegally sold the firearm used in the shooting to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, 36, who opened fire during an Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corp (ROTC) class. The incident prompted a swift response from law enforcement and a wave of concern across the ODU campus and the wider community. Authorities say Jalloh, a convicted ISIS supporter, was subdued by ROTC members present in the classroom.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “The Biden Department of Justice declined to prosecute this man and let him off easy with a warning,” adding, “Left-wing soft-on-crime policies cost lives — but this Department of Justice doesn’t tolerate crime, we punish it.” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the seriousness of the charges, saying, “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.”
FBI Director Kash Patel affirmed the commitment to bringing those responsible to justice, stating, “If you steal firearms, lie on federal forms, and put weapons in the hands of convicted terrorists, this FBI will find you.” He also expressed continued support for the victims, their families, and the Old Dominion community.
Firearm Trafficking and Prior Convictions
According to court documents, Chapman allegedly stole the firearm from a vehicle in Newport News approximately one year prior to the ODU shooting and then sold it to Jalloh days before the attack. Jalloh, as a previously convicted felon, was legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition. He had been convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia in 2016 of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
Law enforcement officials searched Chapman’s residence today and recovered ammunition consistent with the firearm used in the shooting at ODU. Investigators were initially hampered by a partially obliterated serial number on the Glock pistol used in the shooting, but were able to trace it back to Chapman through his phone records, which showed frequent contact with Jalloh in the week leading up to the incident, according to Reuters.
Previous Firearms Transactions Under Scrutiny
The criminal complaint further alleges that Chapman purchased three firearms in 2021 that were subsequently linked to other crimes. Two of those firearms were recovered from the scene of a homicide, and another was found during an incident involving a person intoxicated in public, according to court documents. This history of alleged illegal firearms transactions adds another layer to the charges against Chapman.
Potential Penalties and Ongoing Investigation
If convicted, Chapman faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in prison. The sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into consideration U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant statutory factors. The FBI’s Norfolk Field Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division are leading the investigation, with assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke Bresnahan and Rebecca Gantt for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
It is important to remember that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and Chapman is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and assess any potential connections to other individuals or groups.
The Department of Justice’s swift action in charging Chapman underscores its commitment to prosecuting individuals involved in illegal firearms trafficking and holding them accountable for their actions. As the legal process unfolds, the focus will remain on ensuring justice for the victims and their families and preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
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