A routine police patrol at the University of Delaware turned into a near-disaster averted when 25-year-old Luqmaan Khan was caught with guns, ammo, body armour, and a chilling manifesto outlining a mass shooting plot.
Suspicious Behaviour Sparks Search, Leads to Shocking Find
Khan was spotted parked outside the university late at night, acting suspiciously. Instead of simply moving him along, officers searched his vehicle. That snap decision uncovered a modified semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, and armour plates.
Prosecutors claim Khan’s weapon was turbocharged into a semi-auto rifle — far deadlier than a regular handgun.
Grim Manifesto Reveals Chilling Attack Plans
Police also found a handwritten notebook detailing an assault on the campus police headquarters where Khan once studied. The notes included maps with marked entry and exit points, signalling detailed reconnaissance.
“Kill all” and “martyrdom” were among the ominous phrases scrawled in the notebook, indicating a possible extremist motive.
Following arrest, Khan reportedly declared martyrdom as “one of the greatest things you can do,” fuelling fears of radical ideology behind the plot.
FBI Raids Home, Finds Fully Automatic Machine Gun and Ammo Stockpile
An FBI raid at Khan’s home unearthed more firepower — including an AR-style rifle, a converted fully automatic machine gun capable of firing 1,200 rounds a minute, multiple extended magazines, hollow-point bullets, and a bulletproof vest.
All weapons were unregistered and illegally modified, exposing Khan to serious federal charges that carry hefty prison sentences.
Neighbours said Khan had gone from friendly to “standoffish” in recent months, hinting at a possible descent into radicalisation.
Charges, Investigation, and Narrow Escape
Khan remains in custody, facing charges including illegal machine gun possession. Authorities are combing through his online activity and contacts to see if he was linked to extremist groups or acting alone.
New Castle County Police praised the officers’ vigilance for preventing a catastrophe.
“Rather than just shooing the person out, they did police work,” said Master Corporal Richard Chambers, highlighting that luck and sharp policing stopped tragedy.
University Community Breathes a Sigh of Relief
The University of Delaware dodged a dire massacre. The fact Khan targeted campus police and armed himself with high-capacity weapons and body armour suggests he planned a prolonged and deadly attack.
School officials have yet to comment publicly on Khan’s student status or any warning signs prior to the arrest, underscoring ongoing challenges in spotting threats before they escalate.
What’s Next?
- Prosecutors aim for maximum penalties given the severity and arsenal involved.
- Khan’s manifesto will be analysed for insights into his motives and whether others were involved.
- Mental health experts will assess if illness or ideology was the driving force.
- The case shines a harsh light on security gaps allowing attackers to build deadly stockpiles unnoticed.
This latest close call at the University of Delaware is a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of campus violence — and how crucial vigilant policing is to stop such horrors before they start.
