Trooper, suspected shooter killed after active shooting incident at Delaware DMV: officials
Deadly Delaware DMV shooting: Everything we know
An active shooter incident at a Wilmington DMV office left two people dead on Tuesday. Here's everything we know.
WILMINGTON, De. - A Delaware State Police trooper and suspected shooter were killed after officials say an active shooting incident occurred at a DMV location in Wilmington Tuesday.
What we know:
Police initially reported an active shooter situation at a DMV on Hessler Boulevard. In a later update, Delaware State Police said there is no longer an active shooter.
According to Governor Matt Meyer, the shooter was killed during the incident.
Shortly thereafter, Delaware State Police confirmed a Trooper was killed during the shooting incident.
Dig deeper:
Update on deadly shooting at Wilmington DMV
Delaware State Police detail the moments before a gunman opened fatal fire on a state trooper at a DMV office in Wilmington Tuesday.
In an update Tuesday evening, Delaware State Police say a 44-year-old suspect entered the DMV as a customer.
They say the suspect then approached a trooper and shot him.
The wounded trooper then managed to push a DMV employee out of the way and the suspect shot the trooper another time.
Officers then took quick action and fatally shot the suspect.
The wounded officer later succumbed to his injuries.
Gov. Matt Meyer called the incident "an act of pure evil" and praised the heroism of the troopers and officers who prevented further tragedy.
3 others injured
Police say another trooper sustained a minor, non-gunshot-related injury.
A 40-year-old woman 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.
What they're saying:
Governor Matt Meyer, First Lady Lauren Meyer, Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay, and Second Gentleman Olin Gay issued the following statement on the death of the Delaware State Trooper:
"Today, we mourn the loss of a Delaware State Trooper who gave his life in the line of duty. He made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow Delawareans, and our hearts are broken for his family. We are praying for them, their loved ones, and every state trooper as they grieve this sudden and unimaginable loss. Protecting the lives and livelihoods of Delawareans is our most fundamental responsibility, and moments like this underscore both the risks our first responders take and the courage they show every day. We are deeply grateful to the state and local law enforcement officers and emergency personnel whose professionalism and quick action helped prevent further harm."
In a post to X (formerly known as Twitter), Congresswoman McBride sends her prayers to law enforcement involved.
Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesman Mat Marshall sent FOX 29 the following statement:
The Attorney General is in communication with Delaware State Police and Governor Meyer and has dispatched senior prosecutors to Hessler Boulevard to assist with the investigation. We will defer to DSP on appropriate disclosure of any information about its investigation and would request the media’s forbearance with law enforcement as they respond to this situation. The DOJ will provide any and all support that we can to State Police and the Department of Safety & Homeland Security. We are praying for the law enforcement family. I will follow up as warranted if we have further comment to provide.
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester released the following statement on the shooting at the Wilmington DMV office:
"Today is a tragic one for our State. The shooting at the Division of Motor Vehicles on Hessler Boulevard that took the life of a Delaware State Trooper and caused pain for so many others is devastating.The holiday season should be about joy and celebration, not senseless acts of violence. I am thankful for the swift and courageous action by law enforcement who worked immediately to counter the threat.As details of the investigation become more available, I am praying for those impacted and for our State."
U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement:
"I am heartbroken by today’s shooting at the Wilmington DMV that took the life of a Delaware State Trooper just two days before Christmas. This officer put on their uniform this morning and went to work to make our community safer. Now, they will never come home. This is devastating for their family, their fellow officers, and our entire state. Our law enforcement community is a strong one – knit together through courage and a determination to serve. I’m grateful for their brave actions today that likely saved lives. Annie and I are praying for the loved ones of this dedicated public servant and our entire law enforcement community."
What we don't know:
The fallen trooper's identity has not been released, but his loss is deeply felt within the Delaware State Police. Col. William Crotty described him as a beloved community member who served with honor and integrity.
"We lost a brother, a son, a best friend, a coach a husband and a father. Our trooper loved his community. He served with honor and integrity and his life was cut short by senseless violence" Crotty said.
The identy of the gunman has not been released by authorities.
The Source: This article is based on information released by Delaware State Police.