by New Castle, Delaware — A Delaware State Police trooper is being remembered as a hero after he was shot and killed while working an overtime assignment at a Department of Motor Vehicles location, an attack state leaders described as an “act of pure evil.”
The fatal shooting happened Tuesday afternoon inside a DMV office in New Castle, where authorities say a customer suddenly opened fire on the trooper as he sat at a reception desk. The trooper later died at a local hospital, and the suspected gunman was also killed during a confrontation with police.
Trooper Shielded Others Before Being Shot Again
According to the Delaware State Police, the suspect — a 44-year-old man — entered the DMV and approached the trooper shortly after arriving. Without warning, the suspect allegedly opened fire.
Police said that after being shot the first time, the trooper managed to push a DMV employee out of harm’s way, potentially saving that person’s life, before being shot a second time.
The trooper was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The trooper’s name has not yet been released, pending notification of family members.
Suspect Fatally Shot by Responding Officer
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded after reports of an active shooter at the DMV. During the response, a New Castle County police officer confronted the suspect and shot him, according to police.
The suspect was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have not released the suspect’s name or any information about a possible motive.
Police later confirmed that the threat was no longer active and that there was no ongoing danger to the public.
Trooper Remembered as a Hero by State Leaders
At a press briefing Tuesday night, William Crotty, superintendent of the Delaware State Police, spoke emotionally about the fallen trooper.
“We lost a brother, a son, best friend, a coach, a husband and a father,” Crotty said. “Our trooper loved his community. He served with honor and integrity, and his life was cut short by senseless violence.”
Crotty emphasized that the trooper’s final actions were selfless.
“His last actions were that of a hero — a hero who saved lives today while sacrificing his own,” he added.
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Governor Calls Shooting an ‘Act of Pure Evil’
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer also addressed the tragedy, calling the shooting an “act of pure evil.”
“What happened today was an act of pure evil, and if not for the heroism of several troopers and other officers, the consequences could have been so much worse,” Meyer said.
State officials credited the quick response by law enforcement with preventing further loss of life.
Additional Injuries Reported
Police said several people suffered non-gunshot-related injuries during the chaos following the shooting. Those injured included:
- A second state trooper
- A 40-year-old woman
- A 35-year-old woman who was evaluated for shortness of breath but declined hospital transport
All injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening.
Trooper Was Working Overtime Assignment
Authorities confirmed that the fallen trooper was working an overtime security assignment at the DMV at the time of the shooting. Such assignments are common and are intended to provide an added layer of safety for public facilities.
Officials noted that the trooper was performing routine duties when the attack occurred.
Investigation Ongoing
As of Wednesday, police have released few additional details about the incident. Investigators have not disclosed a motive, and they have not said whether the suspect had any prior interactions with law enforcement.
The Delaware State Police said the investigation remains active and that more information will be released as it becomes available.
Community Mourns Loss of Fallen Officer
The shooting has shaken the Delaware law enforcement community and residents statewide. Officials said grief counseling and support services are being made available for troopers, DMV employees, and others affected by the incident.
Flags across the state are expected to be lowered in honor of the fallen trooper as preparations are made to formally recognize his service and sacrifice.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced daily by law enforcement officers — even during routine assignments — and the profound impact of violence in public spaces.
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