UPDATE: Fallen Trooper Identified in Wilmington DMV Shooting
UPDATE: Delaware State Police (DSP) have announced the identity of the State Trooper killed in Tuesday’s shooting at the Karen L. Johnson Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on Hessler Boulevard.
Corporal Grade One Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, of Hockessin, Delaware, was fatally shot while working an overtime assignment at the DMV. He was 34-years-old, and is survived by his wife and their one-year-old daughter.
Corporal Grade One Snook was a dedicated 10-year veteran of DSP, after first being recruited in Mar. 2015. Officials say Corporal Grade One Snook served on C-shift throughout his career, where he was known as a dependable, professional, and committed trooper.
“Our DSP family extends its deepest condolences to the Snook family,” the agency said in a statement. “We are forever grateful to them for sharing ‘Ty’ with us and for the sacrifices they made in support of his service to the citizens of Delaware.”
Funeral arrangement information will be released when available and in coordination with the family. DSP has also shared information regarding an official fund established to support Corporal Grade One Snook’s loved ones. You can find more information about the official fund here.
WILMINGTON, Del. – An active shooter at the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in New Castle has been killed after fatally shooting a Delaware State Trooper.
Initial Details
In a message posted to social media at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the Delaware State Police (DSP) confirmed the presence of an active shooter at the DMV on Hessler Boulevard. Shortly after, at 2:42 p.m., police stated that there was no longer an active shooter threat, and that one suspect was in custody.
However, despite initial reports indicating that a suspect was in custody, Governor Matt Meyer confirmed that the shooter was dead shortly after.
“We are closely monitoring the situation at the DMV in New Castle, and I want to be clear that there is no active threat to the public at this time,” Meyer said on social media at 2:55 p.m. “Law enforcement acted swiftly to secure the scene, and the shooter has been confirmed deceased. State and local law enforcement are on the scene and coordinating response efforts. Please avoid the area and follow guidance from authorities. We will share updates as they are confirmed.”
An additional update from DSP confirmed the death of a trooper on scene.
Press Conference
DSP and Governor Matt Meyer held a press conference just after 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Authorities say that after being shot, the trooper who later died pushed a DMV employee out of harms way. The suspect proceeded to shoot the trooper again.
Multiple police agencies responded to the scene. An officer with the New Castle County Police Department reportedly confronted the suspect and shot him.
Both the suspect and the DSP trooper were taken to an area hospital where they were pronounced dead. A 40-year-old woman was also taken to an area hospital for a minor, non-gun shot related injury.
A second trooper sustained a minor, non-gun shot related injury, but was not taken to the hospital.
Reactions from Local Leaders
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester issued a statement reacting to shooting on Tuesday evening.
“Today is a tragic one for our State. The shooting at the DMV on Hessler Boulevard that took the life of a Delaware State Trooper and caused pain for so many others is devastating. The holiday season should be about joy and celebration, not senseless acts of violence. I am thankful for the swift and courageous action by law enforcement who worked immediately to counter the threat. As details of the investigation become more available, I am praying for those impacted and for our State.”
Senator Chris Coons issued the following statement shortly after:
“I am heartbroken by today’s shooting at the Wilmington DMV that took the life of a Delaware State Trooper just two days before Christmas. This officer put on their uniform this morning and went to work to make our community safer. Now, they will never come home. This is devastating for their family, their fellow officers, and our entire state. Our law enforcement community is a strong one – knit together through courage and a determination to serve. I’m grateful for their brave actions today that likely saved lives. Annie and I are praying for the loved ones of this dedicated public servant and our entire law enforcement community.”
Following the press conference, Governor Matt Meyer, First Lady Lauren Meyer, Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay, and Second Gentleman Olin Gay issued the following statement:
“Today, we mourn the loss of a Delaware State Trooper who gave his life in the line of duty. He made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow Delawareans, and our hearts are broken for his family. We are praying for them, their loved ones, and every state trooper as they grieve this sudden and unimaginable loss. Protecting the lives and livelihoods of Delawareans is our most fundamental responsibility, and moments like this underscore both the risks our first responders take and the courage they show every day. We are deeply grateful to the state and local law enforcement officers and emergency personnel whose professionalism and quick action helped prevent further harm.”
Secretary of Transportation Shanté Hastings also issued a statement following the shooting, and announced that all Delaware DMV locations will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 24.
“Tonight, we grieve the loss of a Delaware State Trooper who was killed at the Karen L. Johnson DMV facility south of Wilmington. More than 50 employees were working this afternoon serving customers when an individual fatally shot a member of the DSP who was on duty at the time. Thanks to the bravery of our law enforcement officers, further loss of life was prevented.”
Following initial reports, Congresswoman Sarah McBride stated that she had been briefed on the shooting, and later issued the following statement:
“Every day, Delaware law enforcement puts their lives on the line — a fact that this senseless act of violence tragically reinforces. My prayers are with the family, friends, and colleagues of the State Trooper killed while defending Delawareans today at the DMV. Let us never become numb to the pain and loss that violence leaves behind. This holiday season, there will be a family mourning a loved one who, today, woke up, put on the uniform, and gave everything in defense of all of us.”
WMDT will continue to update this story as updates are made available. This article was originally published at 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 23.
