A convicted terrorist obtained a stolen firearm from a repeat offender that the federal government failed to prosecute years earlier, leading to the murder of a decorated Army veteran at Old Dominion University.
Story Snapshot
- Kenya Chapman, 32, charged with illegally selling a stolen gun to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a convicted ISIS supporter who killed Lt. Col. Brandon Shah during an ROTC class on March 12, 2026
- Chapman was investigated in 2021 for straw purchases, admitted guilt in writing, but federal prosecutors declined to charge him—a decision that proved fatal
- Jalloh specifically targeted the ROTC event, asking twice to confirm it was military training before opening fire with the illegally obtained weapon
- ROTC students heroically subdued and killed the terrorist within 10 minutes, preventing further casualties despite the government’s prior failure to keep guns from him
Prior Federal Failure Enabled Deadly Attack
Kenya Chapman faced federal scrutiny in 2021 for straw purchases—illegally buying firearms for prohibited persons. Chapman received a warning letter and wrote an apology admitting to the violations.
The U.S. attorney’s office at that time declined to prosecute. This decision allowed Chapman to remain free and continue his illegal activities, ultimately providing the weapon used to murder Lt. Col. Brandon Shah.
The failure to enforce existing laws demonstrates how prosecutorial discretion can have deadly consequences when individuals exploit weak enforcement.
Terrorist Deliberately Targeted Military Personnel
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh served eight years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to ISIS before his 2016 conviction. On March 12, he entered an ROTC classroom at Old Dominion University and twice asked attendees to confirm it was an ROTC event before opening fire.
His deliberate targeting of military trainees reveals ideological motivation consistent with his terrorist convictions. Despite being legally barred from possessing firearms due to his felony conviction, Jalloh obtained the weapon from Chapman days before the attack, claiming he needed protection as a delivery driver.
The Trump Justice Department sought double the judge's prison sentence for Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, meaning that if it had been adopted, then the accused Old Dominion University assassin would still be in prison and not free to kill an Army war hero. https://t.co/QMtiOZ9z0Y
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) March 13, 2026
Investigative Breakthrough Despite Obliterated Serial Number
Chapman stole the firearm from a vehicle in Newport News approximately one year before the shooting and obliterated the serial number to prevent tracing.
Federal investigators overcame this obstacle by analyzing phone records, which revealed multiple calls between Chapman and Jalloh in the week preceding the attack.
A search of Chapman’s residence uncovered ammunition consistent with the firearm recovered from the shooting scene, providing crucial physical evidence.
Chapman now faces charges of dealing in firearms without a license and three counts of making false statements during firearm purchases, carrying a maximum sentence of 35 years.
ROTC Heroes Prevented Greater Tragedy
Active duty service members and ROTC students in the classroom acted decisively when Jalloh opened fire, subduing and killing the terrorist within minutes.
Their rapid response prevented additional casualties beyond the murder of Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and the wounding of two others. Police Chief Garrett Shelton confirmed that less than 10 minutes elapsed between the emergency call and confirmation that the shooter was dead.
These brave patriots exemplify the warrior spirit that the terrorists sought to destroy. Lt. Col. Shah, a decorated Army veteran and ROTC leader, leaves behind a spouse and child.
THE LATEST: A man was charged Friday with selling a stolen gun to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former member of the Army National Guard who used it to kill one person and wound two others at Old Dominion University, federal authorities said. https://t.co/o3eZi64i2w
— WPLG Local 10 News (@WPLGLocal10) March 14, 2026
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced Chapman would “finally face the full weight of justice,” crediting ATF and FBI agents working with state and local law enforcement.
The case underscores critical vulnerabilities in the enforcement of existing firearms laws. When federal prosecutors decline to charge admitted violators, they create opportunities for criminals to arm terrorists.
The question remains: why did Chapman receive only a warning letter in 2021 instead of prosecution that could have prevented this tragedy? This case demonstrates that enforcing laws already on the books matters more than passing new restrictions that only burden law-abiding citizens.
Sources:
Justice Department charges man accused of selling gun to Old Dominion University shooter – KSL News
