Key Takeaways
- A Delaware State Police trooper, Corporal Grade One Matthew T. "Ty" Snook, was killed in a shooting at a DMV facility in New Castle County on Tuesday afternoon.
- The suspect, a 44-year-old man, entered the DMV as a customer and shot Snook while he was working an overtime shift at the reception desk.
- Snook pushed a DMV employee out of harm’s way as the suspect shot him again, and a New Castle County police officer then confronted and killed the gunman.
- Snook was a 10-year veteran of the Delaware State Police and is survived by his wife and one-year-old daughter.
- The community is coming together to pay their respects to the fallen trooper, with many laying flowers and offering condolences to his family.
Introduction to the Incident
The Delaware State Police have identified the trooper who was killed in a shooting at a DMV facility in New Castle County on Tuesday afternoon. Corporal Grade One Matthew T. "Ty" Snook, 34, of Hockessin, Delaware, was a dedicated 10-year veteran of the Delaware State Police. He is survived by his wife and their one-year-old daughter. Snook was known as a dependable, professional, and committed trooper, and his death has sent shockwaves throughout the community.
The Shooting
The shooting happened around 2 p.m. Tuesday at the DMV facility on Hessler Boulevard in Minquadale. A 44-year-old suspect entered the DMV as a customer and approached Snook as he was sitting at the reception desk. The suspect shot Snook, and after being shot, Snook pushed a DMV employee out of harm’s way as the suspect shot him again. A New Castle County police officer then confronted the gunman and shot and killed him. The incident was witnessed by several people, including Vasty Albino Velez, who was inside the DMV when the active shooter opened fire. She described the scene as chaotic, with people trampling over each other to get out.
Tributes to the Fallen Trooper
The superintendent of the Delaware State Police, Colonel William Crotty, said, "We lost a brother, a son, a best friend, a coach, a husband and a father… His last actions were that of a hero, a hero who saved lives today while sacrificing his own." Heartbroken troopers saluted during a procession as the fallen trooper’s body was moved from Christiana Hospital to the medical examiner’s office in Wilmington. Governor Matt Meyer also paid tribute to Snook, saying, "He made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow Delawareans and our heart breaks for his family." Those who knew and loved Snook have been coming to lay flowers and pay their respects, including Pre Ricci, whose son serves with the Delaware State Police as well.
Aftermath of the Shooting
There were several minor injuries during the shooting, including a 40-year-old woman who was taken to an area hospital for minor, non-gunshot-related injuries. A 35-year-old woman was evaluated for shortness of breath and refused transport to the hospital. A second state trooper was evaluated for minor, non-gunshot-related injury and was not transported by EMS. The community is still reeling from the shock of the incident, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Video from inside the facility shows what appears to be a bullet hole in a window, and personal items could be seen scattered inside.
Community Response
The community is coming together to support the family of the fallen trooper and to pay their respects. Many have been laying flowers and offering condolences to Snook’s family. The incident has also sparked an outpouring of support for the Delaware State Police, with many expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers. As the community mourns the loss of Corporal Grade One Matthew T. "Ty" Snook, they are also celebrating his heroism and dedication to serving and protecting his fellow Delawareans.
