Trooper Killed in Line of Duty at Delaware DMV; Suspect Identified
NEW CASTLE, DE - The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon at the Karen L. Johnson Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The incident resulted in the death of a Delaware State Trooper and the suspect involved.
On December 23, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., troopers and local law enforcement units responded to reports of an active shooter at the DMV located at 2230 Hessler Boulevard.
Initial investigations reveal that Rahman Rose, a 44-year-old man with a last known address in Wilmington, Delaware, entered the facility as a customer.
According to preliminary findings, Corporal Grade One Matthew Snook was stationed at the reception desk, working an overtime assignment, when Rose approached him from behind and discharged a handgun. Despite sustaining injuries, Cpl/1 Snook pushed a DMV employee to safety and instructed them to run as Rose continued to fire.
Rose reportedly allowed customers to exit the building but remained inside to wait for responding officers. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, Rose engaged the officers, firing multiple rounds as they approached the facility. A New Castle County police officer subsequently shot the suspect through a window from the building's exterior.
Cpl/1 Snook was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Rose was also transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Two other individuals were affected during the incident. A second responding trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and did not require hospitalization. Additionally, a 40-year-old woman was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries unrelated to gunfire, and a 35-year-old woman was evaluated for shortness of breath but declined transport.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is leading the ongoing investigation. Detectives urge anyone who witnessed the event or possesses relevant information to contact Detective D. Grassi at (302) 365-8441 or daniel.grassi@delaware.gov. Information may also be provided anonymously via Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Benefit for DSP Trooper Snook
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