WILMINGTON, Del. (KYW Newsradio) — A state trooper was shot and killed at a DMV in Wilmington on Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities reported an active shooter situation around 2 p.m. at the Karen L. Johnson Division of Motor Vehicles in Wilmington on Hessler Boulevard, not far from Route 13 and I-95.
Officials said 44-year-old Rahman Rose entered the DMV first as a customer, then shot 34-year-old Corporal Matthew T. "Ty" Snook, who was working an overtime shift at the reception desk.
In a press briefing Tuesday night, Cpl. Rashaun Rice said Snook pushed a DMV employee out of harm's way after being shot and told them to run as Rose continued firing multiple rounds at Snook.
Police said Rose allowed customers to leave the building. He remained inside and, as responding officers approached the building, he fired multiple rounds.
A responding New Castle County police officer then shot Rose through a window from outside the DMV. Snook and Rose later died at the hospital.
At an evening press conference, Meyer commended Snook's final act to save another life instead of his own.
“There are Delawareans alive tonight because of his heroism," Meyer said. "Lauren and I join with Delawareans up and down our state, praying for the family and every state trooper as they grieve this sudden and unimaginable loss.”
Col. William Crotty called Snook "a brother, a son, a best friend, a coach, a husband and a father."
"Our trooper loved his community. He served with honor and integrity. And his life was cut short by senseless violence," he said.
In a press release on Wednesday, Delaware State Police said Snook was a 10-year veteran on the force, a native Delawarean, and "known as a dependable, professional, and committed trooper."
"He was a respected colleague, a trusted partner, and a beloved member of both the Delaware State Police and the community he served," the release stated.
Snook is survived by his wife and a one-year-old daughter. His funeral is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at the University of Delaware Bob Carpenter Center, on 631 S. College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19716.
A public visitation will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A fund has also been set up to support Snook's family.
Authorities said two women were also injured in the shooting at the DMV. A 40-year-old woman was taken to a nearby hospital for a minor, non-gunshot-related injury. Another 36-year-old woman was evaluated for shortness of breath, but refused transport to the hospital.
A second state trooper was also treated for a non-gunshot-related injury.
In the hours after the shooting, other Delaware elected officials also reacted with sadness at the passing of the state trooper. In a statement, U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester said the day was a "tragic one" for the state.
"The holiday season should be about joy and celebration, not senseless acts of violence," Blunt Rochester said.
Sen. Chris Coons said he was "heartbroken" by the fatal shooting.
"This officer put on their uniform this morning and went to work to make our community safer. Now, they will never come home," he said. "This is devastating for their family, their fellow officers, and our entire state."