A 25-year-old Pakistani immigrant, identified as Luqmaan Khan, has been arrested in the United States for allegedly planning a mass shooting at the University of Delaware campus. Law enforcement officials seized an arsenal of firearms, ammunition, body armour, and a manifesto detailing his attack plans, according to the US Department of Justice (DoJ).
Arrest and seizure of weapons
Khan, a student at the University of Delaware, was taken into custody on November 24 after police found him in his pickup truck in a park during off-hours. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered a .357 calibre Glock handgun loaded with 27 rounds, inserted into a microplastic conversion brace kit that converted it into a semi-automatic rifle.
Authorities also found three additional loaded 27-round magazines, a loaded Glock 9mm magazine, a ballistic plate, and a marble composition notebook containing detailed notes on attack plans and evading law enforcement.
In the notebook, Khan referenced a member of the University of Delaware Police Department by name and included a layout of a building marked “UD Police Station.” Phrases such as “kill all” and “martyrdom” were repeatedly noted, with police describing the content as “premeditated assault plans” and “warfare techniques.”
FBI raid uncovers additional arms
Following the arrest, the FBI raided Khan’s home in Wilmington, recovering an AR-style rifle with a red-dot scope and a second Glock pistol modified with an illegal device to fire fully automatically at a rate of 1,200 rounds per minute. Authorities also seized eleven extended magazines, hollow-point bullets, and a bulletproof vest. None of the weapons were registered.
Suspect’s background and motives
While Khan was born in Pakistan, reports indicate he has lived in the US since his youth and holds American citizenship. The full motivation behind the alleged attack remains under investigation, though Khan reportedly told police that becoming a “martyr” was “one of the greatest things you can do.”
He faces charges including illegal possession of a machine gun as of November 26 and remains in custody as the FBI continues its investigation into the extent of his planning and possible accomplices.
Law enforcement response
Authorities have emphasised that the quick intervention and seizure of weapons prevented a potential mass-casualty event. “The discovery of these weapons and detailed plans underscores the importance of proactive policing and inter-agency cooperation,” a DoJ spokesperson said.
Officials are continuing to examine Khan’s digital records, social media activity, and communications to determine whether he had sought guidance or support from others. The case highlights ongoing concerns over school safety, gun control, and radicalised individuals within the United States.