CLAYTON,. DELAWARE – A University of Delaware student was taken into custody after authorities discovered a handgun, ammunition, and written plans for an attack in his vehicle that reportedly referenced “martyrdom” and identified a campus police officer as a target.
Luqmaan Khan, 25, had a notebook containing writings on “urban warfare,” according to an FBI complaint. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered a scoped rifle, body armor, and a handgun modified with an illegal machine gun conversion device, known as a “switch.”
Khan was arrested on November 24 at Canby Park West in Wilmington after New Castle County police stopped him for allegedly parking illegally. Officers said he appeared nervous and uncooperative during the encounter. A search of his vehicle revealed the firearm, a firearm brace kit, and the notebook, which included combat tactics for various weapons and a sketch of the University of Delaware Police Department building.
Authorities stated that Khan expressed that becoming a martyr was “one of the greatest things you can do.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul praised the New Castle County Police Department for their quick actions, saying their response prevented potential harm.
Khan remains in federal custody and is scheduled for a detention hearing on December 11. He has no prior arrests. His legal representation, federal public defender Eleni Kousoulis, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.