A routine traffic stop prevented what authorities describe as a potentially catastrophic terror attack on University of Delaware police, thwarting a student’s detailed plot involving illegal machine gun conversion devices and martyrdom aspirations.
Story Highlights
- University of Delaware student Luqmaan Khan arrested with illegal “machinegun switch” and detailed attack plans
- Court documents reveal martyrdom goals and diagrams of campus police department
- FBI describes incident as “close call” that could have had devastating consequences
- Authorities discovered weapons cache, body armor, and warfare tactics in suspect’s possession
Traffic Stop Reveals Terror Plot
University of Delaware student Luqmaan Khan was arrested December 2, 2025, during a routine traffic stop in Newark, Delaware. Officers discovered a Glock handgun equipped with an illegal conversion device that transforms the semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic machine gun. The arrest unveiled a sophisticated terror plot targeting the University of Delaware Police Department, complete with detailed diagrams and tactical plans found in Khan’s notebook.
Weapons Cache and Martyrdom Plans Uncovered
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Khan’s residence, uncovering additional firearms, body armor, and extensive documentation of his planned attack. Court documents reveal Khan’s notebook contained references to martyrdom, warfare tactics, and specific targeting of campus law enforcement officers. The sophisticated nature of the plot, including the illegal machinegun conversion device, represents a rare and extremely dangerous threat that authorities successfully intercepted.
Law Enforcement Response and Campus Security
FBI officials characterized the arrest as preventing a potentially devastating attack on the university’s 20,000-person campus community. The University of Delaware immediately reassured students and staff about campus safety measures while coordinating with federal and state authorities. This incident highlights the growing concern about lone-wolf terror attacks targeting law enforcement and the increasing accessibility of illegal firearm conversion devices that transform ordinary weapons into military-grade armaments.
Broader Implications for Campus Safety
Khan’s case underscores the vulnerability of educational institutions to radicalized individuals with access to sophisticated weaponry. The involvement of a university student raises serious questions about campus monitoring systems and the detection of extremist activities within academic communities. Federal authorities continue investigating potential connections to broader extremist networks while universities nationwide reassess their security protocols against similar threats targeting law enforcement and campus safety personnel.
Sources:
University of Delaware student: ‘Martyrdom was goal,’ court papers say
Traffic Stop Foils Alleged Terror Attack Plot Against UD Police
