UPDATE – State Police Investigating Line-of-Duty Death at Wilmington DMV:
The Delaware State Police is investigating a line-of-duty death after a trooper was killed Tuesday afternoon at the Karen L. Johnson Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
On December 23, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., troopers and local law enforcement responded to the DMV, located at 2230 Hessler Boulevard, in New Castle, for reports of an active shooter. The initial investigation revealed Rahman Rose, a 44-year-old man with a last known address in Wilmington, entered the DMV as a customer. Corporal Grade One Matthew Snook was stationed at the reception desk working an overtime assignment. The early investigation indicates Rose approached Cpl/1 Snook from behind and shot him with a handgun. After being shot, Cpl/1 Snook pushed a DMV employee out of the way and told them to run as Rose continued firing multiple rounds at Cpl/1 Snook.
Rose allowed customers to leave the building and remained inside waiting for responding law enforcement. As officers arrived, Rose fired multiple rounds at law enforcement as they approached the building. A New Castle County police officer saw Rose and shot him through a window from outside the DMV.
Cpl/1 Snook was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
A second trooper, who responded to the scene, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was not taken to the hospital. A 40-year-old woman was taken to a local hospital for minor, non-gunshot-related injuries. A 35-year-old woman was evaluated for shortness of breath and declined transport to the hospital.
Rose was taken to an area hospital, where he died.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives ask anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact Detective D. Grassi at (302) 365-8441or daniel.grassi@delaware.gov. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov
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On December 23 Governor Matt Meyer joined Delaware State Police and DSHS Secretary Joshua Bushweller for a press conference on the shooting at the Division of Motor Vehicles in New Castle on Hessler Blvd.
The press conference was livestreamed on the State of Delaware Facebook page.
U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement on the shooting incident at the Wilmington DMV today. The Delaware State Police reported one state trooper was killed, and they were continuing to assess additional injuries: “I am heartbroken by today’s shooting at the Wilmington DMV that took the life of a Delaware State Trooper just two days before Christmas. This officer put on their uniform this morning and went to work to make our community safer. Now, they will never come home. This is devastating for their family, their fellow officers, and our entire state. Our law enforcement community is a strong one – knit together through courage and a determination to serve. I’m grateful for their brave actions today that likely saved lives. Annie and I are praying for the loved ones of this dedicated public servant and our entire law enforcement community.”
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) released the following statement: “Today is a tragic one for our State. The shooting at the Division of Motor Vehicles on Hessler Boulevard that took the life of a Delaware State Trooper and caused pain for so many others is devastating.
The holiday season should be about joy and celebration, not senseless acts of violence. I am thankful for the swift and courageous action by law enforcement who worked immediately to counter the threat.
As details of the investigation become more available, I am praying for those impacted and for our State.”
On behalf of the Delaware House Democratic Caucus, House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown issued the following statement on Tuesday: “We are absolutely horrified and heartbroken by the reports coming out of Wilmington this afternoon. On what should have been a day of togetherness and cheer, people simply running errands and preparing for Christmas were met with a senseless and horrific act of violence.
“Every time we are confronted with violence like this, it feels no less shocking and no less devastating. If anything, it becomes harder to bear. Once again, the sense of safety people expect and deserve in their daily lives has been shattered.
“We mourn the loss of the state trooper who was killed while selflessly protecting others. We are also deeply grateful for the courage and professionalism of our police officers and first responders, who ran toward danger to protect others and bring this situation under control. Their bravery reflects the very best of public service.
“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of the state trooper, with the victims of today’s shooting, and the entire Delaware community. We are keeping the families who are grieving in our prayers, and we are praying for strength and healing for those who were injured and are fighting to recover.”
On December 23, Secretary Shanté Hastings released the following statement: “Tonight, we grieve the loss of a Delaware State Trooper who was killed at the Karen L. Johnson DMV facility south of Wilmington. More than 50 employees were working this afternoon serving customers when an individual fatally shot a member of the Delaware State Police who was on duty at the time. Thanks to the bravery of our law enforcement officers, further loss of life was prevented. All four Delaware DMV locations will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, as we mourn the fallen officer and help our employees begin to process this tragedy”.
Today, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer ordered all flags at state buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the Delaware State Trooper who was killed in the line of duty during the tragic shooting at the Wilmington DMV in New Castle.
Governor Meyer, First Lady Lauren Meyer, Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay, and Second Gentleman Olin Gay issued the following statement: “Today, we mourn the loss of a Delaware State Trooper who gave his life in the line of duty. He made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow Delawareans, and our hearts are broken for his family. We are praying for them, their loved ones, and every state trooper as they grieve this sudden and unimaginable loss.
“Protecting the lives and livelihoods of Delawareans is our most fundamental responsibility, and moments like this underscore both the risks our first responders take and the courage they show every day. We are deeply grateful to the state and local law enforcement officers and emergency personnel whose professionalism and quick action helped prevent further harm.”
Flags will remain at half-staff until further notice.
