Delaware officials lauded the heroic actions of a state trooper who was killed in a shooting at a Department of Motor Vehicles location in Wilmington on Tuesday.
The Incident
At 2 p.m. on Tuesday, an armed man entered the DMV office and fired at the trooper who was working an overtime shift at the reception desk, according to the Delaware State Police. Corporal Grade One Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, 34, shoved an employee out of the way before being shot again. Snook later died at a local hospital.
Response and Investigation
Multiple law enforcement agencies rushed to the scene, including a New Castle police officer who confronted the gunman. The shooter, a 44-year-old man, was fatally shot during the confrontation. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the gunman or disclosed a possible motive for the shooting.
Reactions from Officials
Joshua Bushweller, secretary of the state Safety and Homeland Security Department, said, “Two days before Christmas, we lost a hero, a dedicated member of the Delaware State Police family, who literally woke up this morning, put on his uniform like he did every day, and he went to work to serve the people of our state.”
Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer praised the trooper, calling him a hero. He said, “What happened today was an act of pure evil, and if not for the heroism of several troopers and other officers, the consequences could have been so much worse.”
The Delaware State Police released a statement describing Snook as “a respected colleague, a trusted partner, and a beloved member of both the Delaware State Police and the community he served.” They added, “Our DSP family extends its deepest condolences to the Snook family. 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.”
An official fund established to support the family describes the officer as a “loving husband, a devoted father, and a deeply cherished friend.”
About Corporal Snook
Snook was a Delaware native and a 10-year veteran of the Delaware State Police. He attended the University of Maryland, where he was a member of the wrestling team. He is survived by his wife and their 1-year-old daughter.
Other Injuries
Two other people suffered injuries not related to gunshots. One was another state trooper and the other was a 40-year-old woman who was transported to the hospital.
Key Takeaways
- A Delaware State Trooper was fatally shot at a Wilmington DMV on Tuesday.
- The shooter, a 44-year-old man, was also killed during the confrontation.
- Gov. Meyer and officials honored the trooper’s heroism and called the incident an act of pure evil.
The shooting serves as a stark reminder that troopers face danger even during routine duties. Delaware officials continue to investigate the motives behind the attack while honoring the memory of a dedicated public servant.
