Wilmington Machinegun Arrest Leads to Federal Charges

Wilmington, Del. – A man using a Wilmington DE. address is facing federal charges after police discovered illegal firearms, ammunition and written materials outlining a possible attack during a late night traffic stop and a search of his home, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Authorities said 25 year old Luqmaan Khan, a U.S. citizen, was charged with possessing a machinegun following an encounter with New Castle County Police on November 24, 2025. The suspect is a University of Deleware student.

The Arrest

At approximately 11:47 p.m., patrol officers were conducting a property check at Canby Park West when they observed a white Toyota Tacoma parked in the park after hours. Officers stopped the vehicle and identified Khan as the driver and only occupant. Police said officers developed probable cause to remove Khan from the vehicle. Khan refused to comply and resisted before being taken into custody.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a .357 caliber Glock handgun loaded with 27 rounds that had been inserted into a microplastic firearm conversion brace kit. Officers also recovered three additional loaded 27 round magazines, one loaded Glock 9mm magazine, an armored ballistic plate and a marble composition notebook.

According to court records, the notebook contained handwritten writings discussing additional weapons, how they could be used in an attack and how to avoid law enforcement detection after an attack. The notebook referenced a member of the University of Delaware Police Department by name and included a building layout labeled UD Police Station with marked entry and exit points.

On November 25, 2025, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Castle County Police Department executed a search warrant at Khan’s Wilmington residence. During the search, law enforcement recovered a Glock 19 9mm handgun equipped with an illegal machinegun conversion device known as a switch, a .556 caliber rifle with a scope and red dot sight, eleven extended magazines, hollow point ammunition and a two plate tactical vest equipped with a ballistic plate.

The Charges

Khan was charged by criminal complaint with possession of a machinegun, a federal offense that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted. A federal judge will determine any sentence using U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable law.

The investigation is being led by the FBI and New Castle County Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel S. Frey and Kevin P. Pierce along with Criminal Chief Carly A. Hudson.

U.S. Attorney Statement

Acting U.S. Attorney Julianne E. Murray said the case shows the impact of cooperation between federal and local law enforcement in stopping a serious threat before violence occurred. FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul and New Castle County Police Colonel James J. Leonard III also credited patrol officers and joint operations for preventing potential harm.

Authorities stressed that a criminal complaint is only an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case remains under active investigation.

This article was written by SHR Media Staff. For more breaking news and original reporting, visit SHRMedia.com and follow SHR Media across all platforms.