Trendpills
Federal and local law enforcement agencies have arrested a University of Delaware student, preventing what officials describe as a planned mass casualty event on the Newark campus. Luqmaan Khan, 20, was taken into custody following a joint investigation involving the University of Delaware Police Department (UDPD) and the FBI, which uncovered a stash of tactical equipment and detailed attack plans.
According to court documents and law enforcement reports, the investigation began when authorities received information regarding Khan's behavior and potential threats. A subsequent search of the suspect's residence yielded a Glock handgun equipped with a "switch"—an illegal device that converts a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machine gun. In addition to the modified weapon, agents discovered body armor, ammunition, and documents outlining a plot to target the university community.
Reporting from NBC Philadelphia details that the swift coordination between campus police and federal agents was pivotal in intercepting the suspect before any violence could occur. The university administration emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the campus following the arrest, though visibility of law enforcement has been increased to reassure students and staff returning from the winter break.
Khan faces multiple charges, including possession of a machine gun and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The case highlights the growing concern over the accessibility of firearm modification devices. CBS News reports that Khan appeared in federal court shortly after the arrest, where prosecutors argued for his detention citing the severity of the alleged plot and the lethal nature of the seized weaponry.
The investigation remains active as authorities examine digital evidence to determine if others were involved or aware of the planning. WHYY notes that the university is offering counseling services and support to community members unsettled by the news. This incident underscores the critical importance of "see something, say something" policies on college campuses, which officials credit for the initial tip that triggered the investigation.
