On November 24, 2025, the New Castle County Police made a significant arrest in Wilmington, Delaware, involving Luqmaan Khan, a 25-year-old student at the University of Delaware. This incident illustrates the challenges law enforcement faces and their crucial role in maintaining community safety.
Khan was stopped during an after-hours check in Canby Park West. When officers approached his vehicle, he refused to exit. This act of defiance set the stage for what authorities later discovered in his car. A .357 caliber Glock handgun was found, loaded with 27 rounds. Further inspection revealed multiple high-capacity magazines, another loaded Glock magazine, an armored ballistic plate, and a notebook filled with concerning writings.
The notebook, described in court documents, contained plans that went beyond mere musings. It laid out intentions for a potential attack and included specific references to a member of the University of Delaware Police Department, detailed layouts of buildings, entry and exit points, and the word “martyrdom.” These details suggest a serious escalation of thought into actionable planning, underscoring the depth of the threat posed by Khan.
The very next day, the FBI and local police executed a search warrant on Khan’s Wilmington residence. What they uncovered was alarming—a Glock 19 handgun with an illegal machine gun conversion device, a riflescope-equipped rifle, additional high-capacity magazines, and hollow-point ammunition. The recovery of these items indicates a clear intent to cause harm.
Police reports detail the charges Khan now faces, ranging from possession of a large-capacity magazine and carrying a concealed deadly weapon to multiple misdemeanor counts related to his traffic violations and the circumstances of his arrest. Acting U.S. Attorney Murray remarked on the successful collaboration between federal and local law enforcement, highlighting how their swift action prevented what could have been a dangerous situation. “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,” he said, recognizing the teamwork that led to Khan’s arrest.
Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul from the FBI’s Baltimore office praised the officers for their prompt response, expressing gratitude for the continuous partnership in safeguarding Delaware communities. The successful prevention of violence showcases not just the effectiveness of law enforcement but also an ongoing commitment to public safety.
The arrest of Luqmaan Khan serves as a critical reminder of the potential threats present in our communities and the vigilance necessary to address them. With each incident, law enforcement enhances its ability to detect and disrupt plans that could lead to harm, prioritizing the safety of residents in Delaware and beyond.
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