Active Shooter at New Castle DMV Kills One Trooper; Gunman Killed

NEW CASTLE, Del. – An active shooter at the DMV in New Castle has been killed after fatally shooting a Delaware State Trooper.

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.

DSP and Governor Matt Meyer held a press conference just after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

DSP say after being shot, the trooper who later died pushed a DMV employee out of harms way and the suspect shot the trooper again.

Multiple police agencies responded to the scene. A New Castle County Police Officer reportedly confronted the suspect and shot him.

Both the suspect and the Delaware State Police trooper were taken to an area hospital where they died.

A 40-year-old woman was 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.

Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester also issued a statement reacting to shooting.

“Today is a tragic one for our State. The shooting at the Division of Motor Vehicles 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.”

WMDT will continue to update this story as updates are made available.