Crime
Delaware State Trooper killed after shooting at DMV in Wilmington, Suspect deceased
Authorities have confirmed that a Delaware State Trooper and a suspect were killed following a shooting at a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) facility in Wilmington on Tuesday afternoon.
According to Delaware State Police, the incident occurred at the DMV located on Hessler Boulevard in the Minquadale area of New Castle County.
Initial reports described an active shooter situation, prompting a large and immediate response from local, state, and county law enforcement agencies, as well as fire and emergency medical personnel.
Governor Matt Meyer confirmed in a public update that law enforcement officers โacted swiftly to secure the sceneโ and stated that the suspect was confirmed deceased.
Police later verified that a Delaware State Trooper was also killed in the line of duty during the incident.
Emergency radio traffic indicated that shortly after 2:00 p.m., command personnel reported two individuals down, with EMS advising that CPR was in progress on two patients, one of whom was believed to be the shooter.
A later update clarified that there were two primary patients involved.
Additional non-trauma medical calls were also reported at the scene, including one individual who had fallen and another experiencing breathing difficulties.
The Delaware Department of Justice released a statement through spokesperson Mat Marshall, noting that the Attorney General is in direct communication with Delaware State Police and Governor Meyer.
Senior prosecutors were dispatched to the scene to assist with the investigation.
The statement emphasized that authorities would defer to State Police for the release of investigative details and requested patience from the media and public as law enforcement continues its response.
The Department of Justice also expressed its support for the State Police and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, stating that prayers are with the law enforcement community.
As a result of the incident, the Wilmington DMV location on Hessler Boulevard has been closed until further notice.
All DMV services at that site have been suspended, and residents are being directed to the Delaware City DMV for motor vehicle services.
Hessler Boulevard remains closed, and portions of Route 13 south of Interstate 495 were temporarily shut down as police activity continued. Authorities advised drivers and residents to avoid the area.
Officials have not yet released the identities of those involved or detailed information regarding the circumstances that led to the shooting.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have stated that additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
Orlando, Fla. โ Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruzโs father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruzโs partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruzโs partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
โWhen they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,โ Anthony Cruz said. โMy son didnโt deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt โ a shirt with a bullet hole.โ
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruzโs family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruzโs memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the clubโs property.
โI didnโt know the victim, but from everything Iโve been told, I wish I had,โ Cooper said. โHe seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.โ
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.