Earlier today, the Delaware House of Representatives officially praised the work of the New Castle County Police in averting a suspected act of terrorism.
On behalf of the entire House of Representatives, Speaker of the House Melissa Minor-Brown presented a House Tribute to the agency at a gathering attended by other elected officials and members of Delaware’s law enforcement community.
According to information supplied by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Delaware, on Monday, November 24, at approximately 11:47 p.m., New Castle County Police officers patrolling Canby Park West observed a Toyota Tacoma in the park after hours. Officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle driven by 25-year-old Luqmaan Khan of Wilmington. During the stop, officers developed probable cause to order Mr. Khan out of the vehicle. He refused to comply, resisted arrest, and was taken into custody.
During their investigation, officers discovered a loaded .357 caliber Glock handgun in the vehicle. The handgun had been outfitted with a firearm brace conversion kit and an extended 27-round magazine. Officers also recovered from the car three more loaded, 27-round magazines, a loaded Glock 9mm magazine, an armored ballistic plate, and a notebook.
In the handwritten notebook, Khan discussed weapons and firearms, how they could be used in an attack, and a diagram of the University of Delaware’s Police Department facility, including entry and exit points.
The next day, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Castle County Police executed a search warrant at Mr. Khan’s home, where they discovered a Glock 9mm handgun equipped with an illegal machinegun conversion device, a scoped rifle, eleven more extended magazines, and ammunition.
Mr. Khan has been initially charged with illegally possessing a machine gun. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be added. Federal prosecutors will handle the case.
“Thanks to the proactive work of these patrol officers, a dangerous threat to our community was stopped before it could escalate into violence,” said Colonel James J. Leonard III of the New Castle County Police Department.
