Unthinkable DMV Attack: Trooper Slain

A Delaware state trooper was ambushed and killed by a gunman at a routine DMV office, exposing the escalating dangers facing law enforcement officers in what should be secure government facilities.

Story Highlights

Corporal Matthew “Ty” Snook, a 10-year veteran, was fatally shot while working overtime at Wilmington DMV reception desk
44-year-old suspect entered as customer, lingered, then launched unprovoked ambush-style attack on December 23, 2025
Trooper heroically pushed DMV employee to safety while under fire before being shot again by gunman
New Castle County officer quickly neutralized threat, killing suspect and preventing further casualties

Trooper Dies Protecting Civilians in Ambush Attack

Delaware State Police Corporal Grade One Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, 34, was working an overtime assignment at the Wilmington DMV reception desk when a 44-year-old man approached and opened fire without warning. The suspect had entered the facility as a customer around 2:00 p.m. on December 23, lingered briefly, then launched his deadly assault. Even after being shot, Snook demonstrated extraordinary heroism by pushing a DMV employee out of harm’s way before the gunman fired again, ultimately killing the 10-year veteran trooper.

The fallen officer leaves behind a wife and one-year-old daughter in Hockessin, Delaware. Snook’s selfless actions during the attack exemplify the courage and sacrifice that law enforcement officers make daily to protect innocent civilians. His final act of pushing a coworker to safety while under fire demonstrates the character that made him a respected member of the Delaware State Police force.

Swift Police Response Prevents Mass Casualty Event

A New Castle County police officer responded immediately to the gunfire and confronted the armed suspect inside or near the DMV facility. The officer’s quick action in shooting and killing the gunman prevented what could have become a mass casualty event at the busy government service center. Delaware State Police announced an active shooter situation at 2:30 p.m., but by 2:45 p.m., authorities confirmed the threat had been neutralized and no active shooter remained.

Governor Matt Meyer praised the swift law enforcement response, stating that without the heroic actions of responding officers, the consequences could have been far worse. The coordinated multi-agency response demonstrates how proper training and quick action by law enforcement can save lives during active shooter situations. One additional trooper sustained minor, non-gunshot injuries during the incident, but no civilian deaths were reported beyond the initial attack.

Government Facility Security Under Scrutiny

The attack raises serious questions about security protocols at high-traffic government facilities where citizens conduct routine business. Delaware State Police regularly station troopers at DMV locations due to heavy customer volume and security concerns, yet the ambush-style nature of this attack caught officers in a vulnerable position. The incident occurred during busy midday hours when the facility would typically have numerous customers and staff present, highlighting the challenge of protecting both law enforcement and civilians in these environments.

Trooper and suspect killed in a shooting at a Delaware DMV https://t.co/KXrOEhiwB0

— EndGameWW3 🇺🇸 (@EndGameWW3) December 24, 2025

Delaware authorities closed all four DMV locations statewide following the shooting to mourn Snook and provide support services to traumatized employees. This unprecedented closure disrupted vehicle registration and licensing services across the entire state, demonstrating the broader operational impact of violence against law enforcement. The fact that troopers perform both security and customer-facing roles at these facilities may require reassessment to better protect officers while maintaining public service accessibility.