A community in Delaware is grieving the loss of Corporal Grade One Matthew Tyler “Ty” Snook, a Delaware State Police trooper who was killed while protecting others during a shooting at a DMV office in New Castle County. Authorities say Snook was working an overtime assignment at the DMV when a gunman approached him from behind and opened fire, fatally wounding the 34-year-old trooper. AP News+1
According to investigators, even after being shot, Snook’s instincts were to protect civilians. Police say he pushed a DMV employee out of harm’s way and told them to run, actions officials believe helped save lives in a moment of chaos. AP News+1 The scene quickly escalated into an active shooter response, drawing multiple agencies to the DMV facility as officers worked to secure the building and prevent further harm. NBC10 Philadelphia+1
Authorities later identified the suspected shooter as Rahman Rose, 44, of Wilmington. Investigators say Rose remained inside the DMV after civilians were allowed to leave and then fired additional rounds toward responding law enforcement officers as they approached. During the standoff, a New Castle County police officer returned fire through a window, striking Rose. Both Rose and Snook were transported to a hospital, where they died. AP News+1
As details emerged, tributes poured in from officials and residents who described Snook as the kind of officer every department hopes to have: calm under pressure, dependable, and committed to service. The Delaware State Police said Snook was a 10-year veteran of the agency and underscored the magnitude of the loss for his colleagues and the public he served. Cảnh sát bang Delaware+1 Delaware’s governor also publicly condemned the shooting and praised the bravery of law enforcement who responded, while community members lined roadways for a solemn procession honoring the fallen trooper. AP News+1
Beyond the uniform, friends and family remember Ty Snook as a devoted husband and father. Reporting from multiple outlets notes he leaves behind his wife and their young daughter—a heartbreaking detail that has struck many people following the story. AP News+1 For those closest to him, the tragedy isn’t only the loss of a law enforcement officer—it’s the sudden absence of a father at home, a partner, a son, and a friend whose life was defined by showing up for others.
The shooting also triggered immediate practical impacts across Delaware. DMV operations statewide were disrupted in the wake of the incident, as officials responded both to the security concerns and to the grief felt by workers and the public. AP News+1 Even routine spaces like a motor vehicle office—where people normally stand in line, renew registrations, and go back to their day—can become the backdrop for an unimaginable tragedy, reminding communities how quickly ordinary life can be shattered.
Investigators have said the motive remains under review, and authorities continue gathering information from witnesses and reviewing evidence to understand what led to the violence. AP News+1 In situations like this, officials typically caution the public against spreading unverified claims online, urging people to rely on confirmed statements from law enforcement as the investigation continues.
In the days since, support efforts for Snook’s family have begun to circulate, including campaigns promoted through law enforcement associations and partner organizations. Officials and reputable outlets have pointed people toward established funds and verified channels meant to help the family through the long road ahead. For many, contributing—whether through donations, messages of condolence, or simply showing up at memorial events—has become a way to transform grief into something tangible.
Corporal Matthew “Ty” Snook’s final moments reflect the same purpose that defined his career: stepping toward danger so others could move away from it. In a time when headlines can feel relentless, this story has cut through because it’s not about spectacle—it’s about sacrifice, and a family now facing a future forever changed. Delaware will remember him not only for how he died, but for how he lived: protecting people who may never even know his name, until now.
