Wilmington DMV Fatal Shooting – On December 23, 2025, a fatal shooting at a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) facility in Wilmington claimed the life of a Delaware State Police corporal and left the community in mourning. The incident occurred at the Karen L. Johnson DMV on Hessler Boulevard and has been described by officials as a senseless and deliberate act of violence.
The victim was Delaware State Police Corporal Grade One Matthew “Ty” Snook, a 34-year-old law enforcement officer with ten years of service. Corporal Snook was working an overtime security assignment at the DMV when the shooting occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m.
According to investigators, the suspect, Rahman Rose, a 44-year-old Wilmington resident, entered the DMV as a customer. Without warning, Rose approached Corporal Snook from behind while he was stationed at the reception desk and opened fire. The sudden attack sent customers and employees into panic as gunshots rang out inside the public facility.
Despite suffering gunshot wounds, Corporal Snook demonstrated extraordinary bravery. Authorities said he pushed a DMV employee out of the line of fire and instructed them to flee to safety while the suspect continued shooting. His actions are being credited with preventing further loss of life and exemplifying his commitment to protecting others, even in his final moments.
Rose reportedly allowed other customers inside the building to exit before barricading himself and waiting for responding law enforcement officers. When police units arrived on the scene, Rose opened fire on officers from inside the DMV. During the confrontation, a New Castle County Police officer fired through a window from outside the building, striking Rose.
Both Corporal Snook and Rose were transported to nearby hospitals. Despite lifesaving efforts, both men were pronounced dead. A second Delaware State Police trooper sustained a minor injury during the incident. Additionally, two women at the scene were treated for minor, non-gunshot-related injuries, including shortness of breath, likely caused by the stress and chaos of the situation.
Corporal Snook is survived by his wife and their one-year-old daughter. Fellow officers, state officials, and members of the public have expressed deep sorrow and gratitude for his service and heroism. Flags were lowered, and memorials began appearing outside law enforcement buildings across the state.
The DMV facility was closed through December 29, 2024, as investigators processed the scene and continued reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Delaware State Police officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public and described the attack as “an act of pure evil.” Additional information and official updates were released through the Delaware State Police Newsroom.
