At a Glance
- Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, 34, was killed in line of duty during a DMV shooting on Dec. 23, 2025.
- Funeral arrangements include a public viewing on Jan. 5, 2026 and a candlelight vigil on Dec. 29, 2025.
- Community groups and organizations are raising funds for his family, with a fundraiser by Barstool Sports and support from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
- Why it matters: The loss of a veteran officer reverberates through Delaware’s law-enforcement community and highlights the risks faced by public servants.
Delaware State Police Corporal Matthew T. “Ty” Snook was shot while working overtime at the Karen L. Johnson Division of Motor Vehicles in New Castle County. A 44-year-old customer approached him at the reception desk, pulled out a gun, and fired. The shooter was also killed by a responding officer.
The Incident
- Location: Karen L. Johnson Division of Motor Vehicles, Hessler Boulevard
- Shooter: 44-year-old customer who entered as a patron
- Outcome: Snook and the shooter were both killed; the incident occurred on Dec. 23, 2025
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
A public viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mon., Jan. 5, 2026 at the University of Delaware Bob Carpenter Center in Newark. Following the viewing, a pass and review by uniformed emergency services will precede a memorial service. A candlelight vigil took place on Mon., Dec. 29, 2025 at 7 p.m. at the Hockessin PAL Center.
Community Response and Fundraising
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 25, 2025 | Barstool Sports fundraiser launch |
| Dec. 29, 2025 | Candlelight vigil |
| Jan. 5, 2026 | Public viewing and memorial service |
Dave Portnoy said:
> “A horrific story out of Delaware. State Trooper Corporal Grade One Matthew T. Snook murdered in the line of duty. He leaves behind a wife and 1 year old daughter. I can’t think of a more important cause this Xmas than raising money for the family. As always 100% of proceeds…”
John Huvane of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation added:
> “She is holding up as best she can. She has a 1-year-old daughter, a husband who was out there working overtime when he was saving the DMV worker. Pushing them out of the way, and that’s when he lost his life, and you understand the kind of individual he was.”
Louise Cummings offered support:
> “I think the best piece of advice is you have to allow yourself to go through the pain. It’s one of those things now, eight years in, I’ve learned there are competing emotions and that’s just how my life is going to be for the rest of my life. There’s joy and sadness, there’s frustration and excitement.”
Key Takeaways
- Snook, a 10-year veteran, was killed on Dec. 23, 2025 during a DMV shooting.
- Memorial services and a public viewing are scheduled for Jan. 5, 2026.
- Fundraisers by Barstool Sports and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation are supporting his family.
The tragic loss of Matthew T. “Ty” Snook underscores the dangers faced by law-enforcement officers and the strong community response to honor his service.
