A potentially catastrophic attack on law enforcement in Delaware was averted following the arrest of Luqmaan Khan, a 25-year-old Afghan national, who meticulously planned an assault on the University of Delaware Police Department. The case underscores growing concerns over Afghan nationals abroad being linked to extremist activity, as Afghanistan under Taliban control continues to function as a hub for terrorism.
Khan was apprehended during a routine traffic stop, where authorities discovered a .357 Glock pistol illegally modified with a machinegun conversion device, loaded with 27 rounds. Investigators also recovered three additional 27-round magazines and an armored ballistic plate.
The investigation quickly revealed a far more alarming threat. A notebook in Khan’s possession contained an attack manifesto, naming a specific University of Delaware police officer and including a hand-drawn layout of the police station, with marked entry and exit points. These details indicated that the assault had been meticulously planned.
Federal authorities executed a search warrant at Khan’s Wilmington residence the following day, uncovering what officials described as an “arsenal” designed for mass violence. Seized items included:
A Glock 19 equipped with a machinegun “switch”
A .556 rifle fitted with scope and red-dot sight
Eleven extended magazines
Hollow-point ammunition
A tactical vest with ballistic plates
Court documents leave little doubt that Khan intended to carry out a targeted and lethal attack on law enforcement personnel. The University of Delaware has permanently banned Khan from all campuses and praised the swift actions of law enforcement, acknowledging that the intervention likely prevented a significant loss of life.
Khan now faces multiple federal and state charges, including violations related to illegal machineguns, possession of large-capacity magazines, carrying concealed weapons, and resisting arrest. Authorities emphasize that the arrest has prevented what could have been a calculated, deadly assault on police officers.
This incident is part of a larger, troubling trend: Afghan nationals increasingly appear in global security investigations, highlighting Afghanistan’s transformation into a base for extremist networks under Taliban rule. Intelligence and law enforcement agencies continue to monitor how individuals with links to Afghanistan are radicalized and mobilized abroad. The weapons, manifesto, and methodical planning in Khan’s case demonstrate how extremist ideology originating from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan is translating into real-world threats globally.
Officials warn that vigilance is critical. While the Taliban claims governance over Afghanistan, the country remains a safe haven for terrorist groups such as ISIS-K and al-Qaeda, which continue to train operatives, maintain sanctuaries, and plan attacks targeting both regional and Western interests. Khan’s arrest is a stark reminder that the reach of extremist networks is no longer confined to Afghanistan; it now manifests abroad, putting civilians and law enforcement at risk worldwide.
The investigation into Khan’s potential connections, associates, and broader extremist motives is ongoing. Authorities reaffirm their commitment to tracking, intercepting, and prosecuting any individuals posing a threat, emphasizing that such incidents underscore the urgent global imperative to address the security vacuum emanating from Afghanistan.
