Hero Officer Dies Protecting Civilians at DMV

December 28, 2025

A Delaware State Police corporal was murdered in cold blood while protecting innocent civilians at a DMV office in Wilmington. Corporal Matthew “Ty” Snook, 34, was working an overtime security assignment when a 44-year-old gunman launched an unprovoked ambush attack. In his final moments, Snook demonstrated selfless courage by pushing a nearby DMV employee to safety before being fatally wounded, an act officials are calling “pure evil” that highlights the growing dangers faced by law enforcement.

Story Highlights

Cpl. Matthew “Ty” Snook, 34, was fatally shot during an ambush attack while working overtime security at a Wilmington DMV
Snook heroically pushed a DMV employee to safety before being gunned down by a 44-year-old assailant
Another officer on scene shot and killed the suspect, preventing further casualties
Governor Matt Meyer ordered flags lowered to half-staff and condemned the shooting as “pure evil”

Hero Officer Dies Protecting Civilians

Delaware State Police Corporal Matthew “Ty” Snook was working an overtime security assignment at the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office near Wilmington when a 44-year-old gunman launched an unprovoked ambush attack. In his final moments, Snook demonstrated the selfless courage that defines America’s finest by pushing a nearby DMV employee to safety before being fatally wounded. The 34-year-old trooper from Hockessin died protecting innocent civilians who were simply trying to conduct routine government business.

The attack occurred on a Tuesday in late December, transforming what should have been a routine day at a government service center into a scene of terror and heroism. Snook was providing security during his overtime assignment when the suspect targeted him in what investigators describe as an ambush-style shooting. The trooper’s quick thinking and sacrifice likely prevented additional casualties among the DMV employees and customers present during the attack.

This man was shot point blank in the face, and the media is burying this story and hiding the mugshot of the shooter.

The man who shot him was a 44 year old black man named Avery Young.

Trooper Matthew Tyler Snook pushed a DMV employee out of the line of fire before being shot. pic.twitter.com/FDCbXcnXWn

— Lauren Witzke (@LaurenWitzkeDE) December 25, 2025

Swift Justice for Killer

Another law enforcement officer on scene immediately engaged the gunman, fatally shooting the 44-year-old suspect and ending his murderous rampage. Both Snook and the attacker were transported to a hospital where they were pronounced dead. The rapid response by fellow officers prevented what could have become a mass casualty event at the busy government facility.

Authorities have not yet publicly released the suspect’s identity or revealed a motive for the attack. The Delaware State Police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding this senseless act of violence against a uniformed officer serving his community. This lack of disclosed motive raises disturbing questions about the safety of law enforcement officers in routine assignments that were previously considered low-risk.

The man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.,

Statewide Mourning and Leadership Response

Governor Matt Meyer swiftly responded to the tragedy by ordering all state flags lowered to half-staff in Snook’s honor and publicly condemning the shooting as an “act of pure evil.” The Governor praised the heroism of multiple officers who responded to the scene and credited their actions with preventing greater loss of life. This strong leadership response reflects the gravity of an attack on those who serve and protect Delaware’s citizens.

Colleagues and community members remember Snook as a dependable trooper devoted to his family and committed to public service. His sacrifice exemplifies the daily risks faced by law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect civilians, even during routine assignments. The incident highlights the growing dangers facing police officers and the need for enhanced security measures at government facilities where officers interact with the public.

Watch the report: Delaware trooper killed at Wilmington DMV remembered as hero