Patrol officers in Delaware stumbled upon a chilling discovery late one November night in Canby Park West. Their routine property check unveiled a plot that could have turned deadly at the University of Delaware.
Luqmaan Khan, a 25-year-old undergraduate student at the University of Delaware, was arrested on Nov. 24 after officers from the New Castle County Police Department found him in a white Toyota Tacoma parked after hours, the Daily Caller reported.
During a traffic stop at 11:47 p.m., Khan allegedly refused to exit his vehicle and resisted arrest. After taking him into custody, police uncovered a loaded Glock .357 handgun, body armor, and four extended 27-round magazines in his possession.
Disturbing Evidence Points to Planned Attack
Further inspection revealed a notebook with a detailed diagram of the University of Delaware Police Department. Handwritten notes on warfare tactics and premeditated assault plans painted a grim picture of intent.
One entry in the notebook stood out with haunting clarity, allegedly reading “kill all – martyrdom.” Such words suggest a mindset bent on destruction, raising alarms about what might have unfolded without this timely intervention.
Police also found a conversion kit for the firearm in Khan’s car, amplifying concerns about the scale of potential violence. This arsenal, paired with written plans, signals a deliberate preparation that cannot be ignored.
Charges Pile Up as Investigation Deepens
After transport to New Castle County Police Headquarters, Khan faced a slew of charges, including possession of a large capacity magazine and carrying a concealed deadly weapon. Additional counts like resisting arrest and expired tags compounded his legal troubles.
On Dec. 1, U.S. Attorney Julianne E. Murray for the District of Delaware added a federal charge of illegally possessing a machine gun. If convicted, Khan could face up to 10 years behind bars for this offense alone.
Arranged and held on $107,200 cash bail, Khan was turned over to the FBI for further investigation. The layers of charges reflect the gravity of what law enforcement uncovered in that park after dark.
University Responds with Swift Action
University of Delaware Interim President Laura Carlson addressed the incident, calling it “frightening for all of us.” Her words capture the unease rippling through the campus community after such a stark threat emerged.
Carlson confirmed the university has temporarily separated Khan from all campuses while legal proceedings unfold. This decisive step aims to protect students and staff as the situation develops.
The university is also working hand-in-hand with law enforcement to ensure safety remains paramount. Such collaboration is vital when dealing with threats that strike at the heart of academic spaces meant for learning, not fear.
Safeguarding Freedom Without Overreach
This incident lays bare the tension between personal freedoms and public safety in our institutions. While every individual deserves due process, the evidence here demands a hard look at how we prevent such plots without trampling on rights.
Khan’s notebook and arsenal suggest a dangerous fixation, yet the response must balance vigilance with fairness. Heavy-handed policies born from panic often erode the very liberties we aim to protect, a lesson worth remembering.
Law enforcement’s quick action likely averted tragedy, but the broader challenge remains clear. We must address the root causes of such ideation through community engagement and mental health support, not just punitive measures, to build a safer tomorrow.
