WILMINGTON, Del. – A Delaware State Police corporal was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon inside the Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles after a gunman opened fire in what authorities described as a targeted attack.
The shooting occurred around 2 p.m. at the Karen L. Johnson DMV on Hessler Boulevard in New Castle. Investigators said the suspect, identified as 44-year-old Rahman Rose of Wilmington, entered the DMV as a customer before approaching Corporal Grade One Matthew Snook from behind and shooting him with a handgun.
Despite being mortally wounded, Cpl. Snook managed to push a DMV employee out of harm’s way and urged them to flee as the gunman continued firing. Rose then allowed customers to leave the building and remained inside, waiting for police.
When responding officers arrived, Rose fired multiple rounds toward law enforcement. A New Castle County police officer returned fire through a window, striking Rose. Both Cpl. Snook and Rose were transported to area hospitals, where they died.
A second trooper sustained minor injuries but did not require hospitalization. Two civilians were also treated—one for minor, non-gunshot-related injuries and another who declined further medical care after experiencing shortness of breath.
Cpl. Snook, who was working an overtime assignment at the DMV, is being remembered by colleagues as a dedicated public servant who acted heroically to protect others.
