On January 28, 2026, a workplace shooting at the Northrop Grumman facility in Linthicum, Maryland, claimed the life of 37-year-old security guard Joseph Keith Aman of Baltimore. The incident unfolded inside the aerospace company’s campus on the 7300 block of Aviation Boulevard, near BWI Marshall Airport, and has since drawn widespread attention across Anne Arundel County.
Police reports confirm that the shooting occurred around 3:30 p.m. when two contracted security guards, Aman and 26-year-old Dylan Blake Chandler of Pasadena, were called into a supervisor’s office to discuss Chandler’s performance issues. According to charging documents, Chandler became agitated after learning he might face reprimand or termination. In the midst of the confrontation, Chandler pulled out his firearm and shot Aman in the head.
Responding officers from the Anne Arundel County Police Northern District arrived quickly, but the scene had already been secured by Maryland Transportation Authority Police. A third contracted guard intervened during the altercation, disarmed Chandler, and detained him until law enforcement took him into custody. Aman was pronounced dead at the scene, and Chandler was later charged with first- and second-degree murder.
Investigators revealed that Chandler had been facing “negative performance issues” and was reportedly under stress about possible disciplinary action. The shooting was described as a sudden escalation, with Chandler admitting to authorities that he “snapped” during the meeting. He is currently being held without bond at the Anne Arundel County Detention Center as the case moves forward.
The death of Joseph Aman has left colleagues and family devastated. Known for his professionalism and dedication, Aman had worked in security for years and was respected by peers for his reliability and calm demeanor. His sudden loss has prompted grief across Baltimore and within the Northrop Grumman community, where employees expressed shock that such violence erupted in a workplace setting.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on workplace safety and the pressures faced by contracted employees in high-security environments. The tragedy has sparked discussions about mental health support and conflict resolution in professional settings. For now, the community mourns the loss of Joseph Keith Aman, while awaiting justice and answers in a case that underscores the fragility of workplace peace.