Court Documents Reveal Alleged University of Delaware Plot Thwarted by Late-Night Traffic Stop Aimed at Achieving 'Martyrdom'

Delaware law enforcement revealed that a late-night traffic stop prevented a potentially violent incident targeting the University of Delaware. Police arrested 25-year-old Luqmaan Khan on November 24, after noticing suspicious behavior during a routine stop approximately 15 miles from the university campus.

Officers reported that Khan refused to exit his vehicle, prompting a search that uncovered tactical-style firearms and writings suggesting he was planning an assault on the university. Confiscated items included a loaded Glock .357 handgun, four extended 27-round magazines, body armor, binoculars, a laptop, and a notebook allegedly containing notes on combat strategies, assault plans, and diagrams of university facilities.

The notebook reportedly contained messages referencing the desire to become a martyr. Court documents cited by local media indicated that during questioning, Khan described martyrdom as a personal goal.

The FBI executed a search of Khans Wilmington residence the day following his arrest. Authorities reported seizing a Glock 19 handgun modified with an illegal conversion device, a .556 rifle with optics, eleven extended magazines, hollow-point ammunition, and a tactical vest with ballistic protection.

Khan faces multiple charges, including felony counts for possession of a large-capacity magazine and carrying a concealed weapon, as well as misdemeanor charges for resisting arrest, lack of insurance, being in a park after dark, expired tags, and driving without a license. Federal authorities also charged him with possessing a machine gun, carrying a potential penalty of up to ten years in prison if convicted.

The New Castle County Police Department noted that Khan, a U.S. citizen born in Pakistan, was enrolled at the University of Delaware at the time of his arrest. The university has issued a temporary campus ban while legal proceedings continue.

Khan was transferred to federal custody following his arraignment at the county jail. His state-level preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 9, with a federal detention hearing set for December 11.

Author: Lucas Grant