Security Guard Allegedly Kills Coworker During Performance Evaluation at Northrop Grumman

On January 28, 2026, a shooting incident occurred at the Northrop Grumman facility in Linthicum, Maryland, resulting in the death of 37-year-old Joseph Keith Aman. The alleged shooter, 26-year-old Dylan Blake Chandler, reportedly opened fire during a performance evaluation meeting where his job performance was being discussed. The meeting was tense, as Chandler faced potential reprimand or termination due to negative performance issues.

Guard who gunned down colleague faced termination over 'negative performance issues'

The incident unfolded around 3:30 p.m. when Aman and Chandler were called into a supervisor's office for the evaluation. During this meeting, Chandler allegedly shot Aman, who subsequently slumped over from a gunshot wound. A third security guard present in the room intervened, disarming Chandler and restraining him until law enforcement arrived. Chandler later admitted to police that he "snapped" during the confrontation, believing Aman was not being held accountable for his actions.

Security guard accused of killing coworker at Northrop Grumman during performance evaluationGuard who gunned down colleague faced termination over 'negative performance issues'Victim and suspected killer identified in Northrop Grumman workplace shooting in Anne Arundel County

Both Chandler and Aman were contracted employees of Allied Universal, a security firm providing services at the Northrop Grumman facility. The facility itself is a significant player in the aerospace and defense sector, being the fifth-largest contractor for the U.S. federal government. Following the incident, Chandler was charged with first and second-degree murder and is currently being held without bond.

Security guard accused of killing coworker at Northrop Grumman during performance evaluation

In the aftermath of the shooting, Northrop Grumman expressed its condolences, stating, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our employee, and our sympathies go out to his family and friends." The company also emphasized its commitment to safety and announced that counseling services would be provided to affected employees. Anne Arundel County Police spokesperson Justin Mulcahy described the incident as "very traumatizing for it to happen in the workplace," but noted that it was isolated and resolved quickly due to the intervention of the third security guard.

Victim and suspected killer identified in Northrop Grumman workplace shooting in Anne Arundel County

Former FBI agent Tyrone Powers commented on the incident, highlighting the need for extensive vetting and training for armed security personnel. He noted that the process for hiring armed security should be more rigorous than for unarmed positions, suggesting that not all contracts adhere to the same standards of scrutiny.

Victim and suspected killer identified in Northrop Grumman workplace shooting in Anne Arundel County

The Anne Arundel County Police Department is continuing its investigation into the shooting. Northrop Grumman has pledged to support the ongoing inquiry, maintaining that the facility remains open for business while prioritizing the safety of all employees and contractors.

Victim and suspected killer identified in Northrop Grumman workplace shooting in Anne Arundel County

• “As you can imagine, it’s very traumatizing for it to happen in the workplace.” — Justin Mulcahy, Anne Arundel County Police Spokesperson

Security guard accused of killing coworker at Northrop Grumman during performance evaluation

• “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our employee, and our sympathies go out to his family and friends.” — Allied Universal Spokesperson

Security guard accused of killing coworker at Northrop Grumman during performance evaluation

• “In armed security, there has to be a lot more vetting, and not all contracts do it at the same level.” — Tyrone Powers, Former FBI Agent

Victim and suspected killer identified in Northrop Grumman workplace shooting in Anne Arundel County