A Delaware State Police trooper, later identified as Matthew Tyler Snook, was killed in the line of duty during an active shooter incident at the Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles facility near New Castle on Tuesday afternoon, December 23, according to state authorities.

The shooting occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m. at the DMV located at 2230 Hessler Boulevard, prompting an immediate and large-scale law enforcement response and the abrupt closure of the facility.

More than 50 DMV employees and numerous customers were inside the building at the time of the incident.

Delaware State Police Colonel William Crotty, joined by other state officials, addressed the public during an evening press conference, providing the first detailed account of the events.

According to Delaware State Police spokesperson Cpl. Raushan Rich, the trooper was working an overtime security assignment behind a reception desk when a 44-year-old man, later identified as Avery Young, entered the DMV as a customer.

Investigators said Young approached the reception desk and opened fire, striking Trooper Snook.

Despite being shot, the trooper was able to push a DMV employee out of harm’s way before being struck a second time.

Responding officers from multiple agencies arrived within minutes. A New Castle County Police officer confronted the gunman and fatally shot him, authorities said.

Both Trooper Snook and the suspect were transported to area hospitals, where they were pronounced dead.

“His last actions were that of a hero,” Col. Crotty said. “A hero who saved lives today while sacrificing his own.”

In addition to the trooper’s death, police confirmed that a second Delaware State Trooper sustained a minor, non-gunshot-related injury during the response.

A 40-year-old woman was transported to a hospital for minor, non-gunshot-related injuries, and a 35-year-old woman was evaluated at the scene for shortness of breath but declined further treatment.

Governor Matt Meyer addressed the public from Delaware State Police Troop 2 in Bear, calling the shooting “an act of pure evil” and emphasizing the bravery of first responders.

“Protecting the lives of Delawareans is our most fundamental responsibility,” Meyer said. “Moments like this remind us of the tremendous risks our law enforcement officers and first responders take, and the courage they demonstrate every single day. If not for their heroism, the consequences could have been far worse.”

Officials described Trooper Snook as a devoted public servant, coach, husband, and father.
“Our trooper loved his community,” Col. Crotty said. “He served with honor and integrity, and his life was cut short by senseless violence.”

Delaware Secretary of Transportation Shanté Hastings issued a statement confirming that all four Delaware DMV locations were closed on Wednesday, December 24, to allow employees to grieve and begin processing the tragedy.

She credited the swift actions of law enforcement with preventing further loss of life.

State and federal leaders also released statements expressing condolences and support for law enforcement, including U.S. Senator Chris Coons and leadership from the Delaware General Assembly.

The Delaware House Democratic Caucus described the shooting as “senseless and horrific,” noting that it shattered the sense of safety people expect during routine daily activities.

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Trooper Snook is the 21st member of the Delaware State Police killed in the line of duty and among 49 law enforcement officers statewide who have died while serving.

Fifteen of those deaths were due to gunfire, with the most recent prior fatal shooting of a Delaware officer occurring in 2017.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Authorities have stated that additional details will be released as they become available.