DSP Provide Final Update on Cpl/1 Snook Death Investigation
NEW CASTLE, Del. – The Delaware State Police (DSP) have released a final update of their investigation regarding the murder of Corporal Grade One Matthew T. “Ty” Snook that occurred on Dec. 23, 2025.
Following a thorough investigation, DSP has determined that the shooting at the Karen L. Johnson Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) facility was a targeted attack against law enforcement. Police identified Rahman Rose as the suspect responsible for shooting shortly after the incident. Rose previously resided in Connecticut, but had been staying in the Wilmington area without a permanent address.
Leading up to the incident, Rose told those who knew him that he believed the police were targeting and seeking him. Authorities say he posted anti-police content on social media and expressed that he was the victim of “gang stalking.” Gang stalking is a belief that one is being followed, stalked, and harassed by a large number of people or an organization, such as the government or law enforcement.
Authorities say they have found no evidence that Rose was acting on behalf of, or in conjunction with, any group or other individuals. Additionally, they found that Rose had limited contact with Delaware law enforcement in the year prior to the incident. Further, of the limited interactions, none of those contacts were criminal in nature, resulted in an arrest, or involved Corporal Snook.
“Detectives found no prior relationship, interaction, or dispute between Rose and Cpl/1 Snook,” the official report reads. “Based on the totality of the evidence, detectives concluded this was a deliberate and targeted attack on law enforcement.”
Authorities say the handgun used in the murder was legally purchased by Rose in Connecticut in 2021. At the time of the purchase and prior to the incident, Rose was not prohibited from purchasing or possessing weapons.
On the day of the shooting, police say Rose entered the DMV at approximately 11:30 a.m., and took a seat in the driver services area. He exited a short time later without contacting anyone or conducting any business. He returned at approximately 1:56 p.m. and obtained a queue ticket from the welcome desk, where Corporal Snook and a DMV employee were stationed. There was no interaction or exchange between Rose and Corporal Snook at that time. Rose again took a seat, and sat in the driver services area.
Approximately three minutes later is when Rose ambushed Corporal Snook from behind at the welcome desk. Rose fired several rounds, striking the trooper over the glass partition from a handgun he had concealed on his body. Corporal Snook shielded the DMV employee from harm before he was struck again by additional gunfire.
As previously reported, Rose allowed and encouraged several customers to leave the building while he remained inside. He then appeared to wait for responding law enforcement. The investigation revealed that the only additional shots fired by Rose were at responding officers, further supporting authorities’ conclusion that the attack was solely directed at law enforcement personnel.
At approximately 2:07 p.m., a responding officer from the New Castle County Police Department shot Rose through a window from outside the building. Rose was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“DSP would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has shown support during this incredibly difficult time. Cpl/1 Snook was an exemplary Trooper and a devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. Ty’s courageous act of strength and sacrifice reflected the core values he lived by every day – protecting others with bravery, selflessness, and steadfast integrity. Ty leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him,” the agency said in a statement.
