Matthew Snook, a 34-year-old Delaware State Police trooper, was shot to death during a routine afternoon at a Wilmington DMV on Tuesday. The gunman entered the office at 2 p.m. and opened fire, killing Snook, who was working an overtime shift at the reception desk.
Incident Details
At the scene, a 44-year-old armed man fired several rounds. Trooper Snook shoved an employee out of the way before being shot again. He was hit twice and later died at a local hospital.
Response and Outcome
Multiple law-enforcement agencies responded, including a New Castle police officer who confronted the gunman. The shooter was fatally shot during the confrontation. Two other people were injured: another state trooper and a 40-year-old woman who was transported to the hospital.
Official Reactions
“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,” Joshua Bushweller, secretary of the state Safety and Homeland Security Department, said. Governor Matt Meyer praised Snook as a hero, saying the trooper gave the “ultimate sacrifice” in the line of duty. “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,” Snook himself said. “The trooper was a respected colleague, a trusted partner, and a beloved member of both the Delaware State Police and the community he served,” the Delaware State Police said. “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.”
Trooper Profile
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.
Community Impact
The incident serves as a reminder that troopers face danger even in routine work. NBC10’s Lili Zheng reported the story, highlighting the bravery of the officers involved.
Key Takeaways
- Matthew Snook, 34, was killed in a shooting at a Wilmington DMV.
- The gunman, 44, was fatally shot by a New Castle police officer.
- The event underscores the risks troopers face in everyday duties.
The tragic shooting at the Wilmington DMV has left the Delaware community mourning a dedicated public servant and reminded everyone of the peril inherent in law-enforcement work.
