University of Delaware Police Campus Attack Foiled: Pakistani Immigrant Arrested with Weapons & 'Martyrdom' Plan

University of Delaware Attack Foiled: Pakistani-American Arrested with Arsenal & 'Martyrdom' Plot

An alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at the University of Delaware campus was successfully thwarted following the arrest of a Pakistani-American man, Luqmaan Khan. Authorities discovered a cache of firearms, ammunition, body armor, and a disturbing manifesto outlining plans for a "kill all" attack aimed at achieving "martyrdom."

Suspicious Activity Leads to Arrest

The unfolding of events began just before midnight on November 24, when police officers encountered 25-year-old Luqmaan Khan in his pickup truck at a park after closing hours. His suspicious behavior prompted officers to conduct a search of his vehicle. Inside, law enforcement discovered a .357 Glock pistol, multiple loaded 27-round magazines, body-armor plates, binoculars, a laptop, and a marble composition notebook. Prosecutors later revealed that the pistol had been modified with a kit, effectively transforming it into a semi-automatic rifle.

A Detailed and Violent Manifesto

The recovered notebook proved to be a critical piece of evidence, reportedly containing a meticulously detailed plan to assault the campus police department of his former school. This chilling blueprint included a hand-drawn map of the police headquarters, complete with marked entry and exit points, alongside strategies to evade law enforcement after the attack. According to ABC 6, the writings explicitly stated phrases like “kill all – martyrdom,” detailed escape routes, and described the use of multiple weapons. Police characterized these notes as clear evidence of “premeditated assault plans” and “warfare techniques.”

Suspect's Background and Further Discoveries

While the exact motive behind the planned assault remains under investigation, Khan allegedly informed police post-arrest that becoming a martyr was considered “one of the greatest things you can do.” Investigators identified Khan as an American citizen, born in Pakistan, who has resided in the United States since his youth.

Following his arrest, an FBI search of Khan's home in Wilmington yielded even more alarming discoveries. Agents seized an AR-style rifle equipped with a red-dot scope and another Glock pistol. This second pistol was found to possess an illegal device capable of converting it into a fully automatic machine gun, able to unleash 1,200 rounds per minute.

Charges and Collaborative Effort

Khan was transported to the New Castle County Police Headquarters, where he faced charges including resisting arrest, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, and multiple weapon violations. He was arraigned and held on a $107,200 cash bail before being transferred into FBI custody, where additional federal charges may be pending.

Acting US Attorney Murray commended the swift and collaborative efforts of federal and state law enforcement, including the FBI and NCCPD. Murray stated, "This case is a quintessential example of federal and state law enforcement collaborating to neutralize a grave threat to Delaware before the worst could come to pass... We are proud to work with them to keep Delaware safe.” The notes reportedly mentioned a specific campus police officer, though the reason for this mention is currently unknown. The timely intervention of law enforcement undeniably averted a potentially catastrophic event.