Linthicum, Maryland – A fatal workplace shooting at a secure facility near Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport has led to murder charges against a contracted security guard, according to Anne Arundel County police. Authorities say the incident occurred during a meeting between two armed security employees and ended only after a third guard intervened.
Incident Overview
Police have identified the victim as Joseph Keith Aman, 37, of Baltimore, a contracted security worker assigned to the Northrop Grumman facility in Linthicum. The suspect, Dylan Blake Chandler, 26, of Pasadena, has been charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder in connection with the shooting.
Chandler was taken into custody at the scene and later ordered held without bond, according to court records released by authorities.
Timeline of Events
Officers were dispatched to the Northrop Grumman facility around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday following reports of a shooting inside the building. The location sits near Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and houses sensitive operations related to defense and aerospace work.
Investigators say the shooting occurred inside an office during a scheduled meeting between Aman and Chandler. A third armed security guard was also present at the time.
Details From Police and Court Documents
According to Anne Arundel County Police, the meeting was held to address performance concerns related to Chandler’s job duties. Court documents indicate those issues were “likely to result in Mr. Chandler being reprimanded or terminated.”
During the meeting, Chandler allegedly produced a firearm and shot Aman. Police say the third security guard immediately intervened, disarmed Chandler, and physically restrained him until officers arrived.
Maryland Transportation Authority Police were first to respond, followed shortly by Anne Arundel County Police Department, who assumed control of the scene.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Victim: Joseph Keith Aman, 37, Baltimore
- Suspect: Dylan Blake Chandler, 26, Pasadena
- Location: Northrop Grumman facility, Linthicum, Maryland
- Time: Around 3:30 p.m., Wednesday
- Charges: First- and second-degree murder
- Custody Status: Held without bond
Police confirmed that multiple employees were inside the building at the time of the shooting, though no additional injuries were reported.
Official Statements
Anne Arundel County Police spokesperson Justin Mulcahy described the incident as deeply disturbing but emphasized that it was quickly contained.
“As you can imagine, it’s very traumatizing for it to happen in the workplace. It was isolated and ended very quickly, and we are thankful for the intervention of the third security guard who was there to take him into custody.”
Authorities noted that neither Aman nor Chandler were direct employees of Northrop Grumman. Both were contracted through Allied Universal, a global security firm.
In a statement, Allied Universal said:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our employee, and our sympathies go out to his family and friends. We are fully supporting the authorities as they conduct their investigation.”
Expert Perspective on Armed Security Vetting
Former FBI agent Tyrone Powers said incidents involving armed security personnel highlight the need for rigorous screening and training standards. Speaking to local media, Powers explained that background checks alone are not always sufficient.
“In armed security, there has to be a lot more vetting, and not all contracts do it at the same level.”
He added that psychological evaluations, continuous training, and oversight are critical when individuals are trusted with firearms in professional environments.
Additional Context About the Facility
Northrop Grumman confirmed that counseling services were made available to employees affected by the incident and that the company is cooperating fully with investigators. The facility remains open, according to a company statement.
Northrop Grumman is one of the largest defense contractors in the United States, specializing in aeronautics, defense systems, and space technologies. According to the General Services Administration, the company ranks as the fifth-largest federal contractor, with headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia.
Workplace Safety and Prevention
Workplace violence, particularly involving firearms, remains a major concern in security-sensitive environments. Experts emphasize early reporting of behavioral concerns, strong supervision, and access to mental health resources as key factors in preventing escalation.
Conclusion
The fatal shooting at the Northrop Grumman facility has left one man dead, another facing serious criminal charges, and a workforce grappling with the aftermath of sudden violence. As the investigation continues, authorities and employers alike are reexamining safety practices surrounding armed security roles.
If you have insights or experiences related to workplace safety or security protocols, share your experiences in the comments below.
