Man Arrested, Charged With Selling Gun to Old Dominion University Shooter

The shooting at Old Dominion University is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism.

Police arrive outside Old Dominion University's campus after reports of an active shooter, in Norfolk, Va., on March 12, 2026. Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot via AP

A man accused of selling a gun to the perpetrator of an attack at Old Dominion University was arrested on March 13.

Kenya Chapman was charged on Friday with making a false statement during a firearm purchase and engaging in the business of firearms dealing without a license, according to the Department of Justice.

Chapman was accused of selling the gun to shooter Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who used it to open fire inside of a classroom at the Virginia school on Thursday, killing ROTC instructor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah and injuring two others.

The salesman told police he didn’t think Jalloh was going to commit an attack.

Chapman allegedly confirmed he knew that Jalloh spent time behind bars but denied knowing that the shooter, a former Army National Guard member, wasn’t allowed to have a gun due to a previous felony conviction for attempting to aid the ISIS terrorist group.

Before Thursday’s shooting, Jalloh was sentenced to 11 years in prison for trying to aid ISIS, but was released in December 2024.

The FBI is investigating Thursday’s shooting as a potential act of terrorism, and the investigation is ongoing.

“Last night and this morning, FBI agents conducted multiple interviews and lawful searches as we delve into every inch of Jalloh’s life,” the FBI’s field office in Norfolk wrote in an X post on Friday.

The FBI surged resources from field offices and headquarters divisions, including the Victim Services Division, to investigate the case.

“We are working around the clock at our command post, running down leads and collaborating with our partners to share information,” the FBI added.

The FBI is in the process of developing a timeline of Jalloh’s movements ahead of Thursday’s shooting and wants members of the public to reach out to them if they have additional information.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger offered her condolences to Old Dominion University President Brian Hemphill and the community on Thursday.

Hemphill honored Shah in a statement on the university’s website Friday.

“We pay tribute to one of our very own, Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah ’07, a dedicated Monarch, public servant, and true hero,” Hemphill wrote in a statement.

“Above all else, Lt. Col. Shah embodied what it means to be a devoted family man, a revered leader, and heroic protector even in his final moments. He was a shining example for his students and all Monarchs.”

The university was closed on Friday but offered counselors to students and faculty on the main campus throughout the day.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.