‘Kill all for martyrdom’: How a Pakistani-origin student’s alleged attack plot was stopped in Delaware

Luqmaan Khan, who was born in Pakistan and is now a US citizen, was arrested shortly before midnight on November 24 after officers found him inside his pickup truck at Canby Park West after closing hours.

A 25-year-old University of Delaware student, identified as Luqmaan Khan, has been arrested after police allegedly discovered weapons, ammunition, and documents suggesting detailed plans for a possible mass shooting on campus. Authorities say the materials pointed to an intention to carry out an attack seeking “martyrdom.”

Khan, who was born in Pakistan and is now a US citizen, was arrested shortly before midnight on November 24 after officers found him inside his pickup truck at Canby Park West after closing hours. Officers decided to investigate because he appeared suspicious, according to multiple reports.

Weapons and “kill all” notes recovered

During the search of Khan’s truck, officers allegedly found a modified .357 Glock pistol, several loaded 27-round magazines, body armor plates, binoculars, a laptop and a marble-covered notebook. Prosecutors said the Glock had been altered using a kit that turned it into a semi-automatic rifle.

Investigators say the notebook contained detailed attack plans. It included a hand-drawn map of the University of Delaware police station, outlining entry and exit points. One campus police officer was reportedly identified by name.

ABC 6 reported that the notebook contained violent language including the phrase “kill all – martyrdom,” along with instructions on how to escape after an attack and tactical notes on the use of multiple weapons. Investigators described the writings as “premeditated assault plans” and “warfare techniques.”

After being detained, Khan allegedly told officers that becoming a martyr was “one of the greatest things you can do.”

Acting US Attorney David Weiss praised the coordinated effort between local and federal agencies. He said, “This case is a quintessential example of federal and state law enforcement collaborating to neutralise a grave threat to Delaware before the worst could come to pass.”

Further weapons found at his home

Following Khan’s arrest, FBI agents searched his Wilmington residence and allegedly discovered additional weapons. According to prosecutors, the items included an AR-style rifle with a red-dot scope and another Glock pistol fitted with an illegal conversion device capable of firing up to 1,200 rounds per minute.

Neighbours told Spotlight Delaware that Khan had once seemed approachable but had recently become “standoffish.” Investigators say he has no criminal record.

Charges and bail

Khan has been charged with resisting arrest, carrying a concealed deadly weapon and multiple firearm-related offenses. If convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison. He was arraigned and given a $107,200 cash bail before being handed over to the FBI, which may bring additional federal charges.

Master Cpl. Richard Chambers of New Castle Police credited officers with preventing a potential tragedy. He explained that the arrest happened because officers chose not to ignore the situation, saying, “Rather than just shooing the person out, saying, ‘Hey, the park is closed,’ they did police work.”

FBI Special Agent Jimmy Paul also noted that swift collaboration likely saved lives, describing it as teamwork that “prevented potential tragedy.”