Delaware state trooper hailed as hero after being shot, killed at DMV has been identified

A state trooper who was killed after authorities say a customer at a DMV location in Delaware opened fire on the law enforcement officer while he was sitting at a reception desk has been identified.

The trooper was Cpl. Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, 34, of Hockessin, Delaware, a 10-year veteran of the Delaware State Police, the agency said Wednesday.

The suspected shooter, a 44-year-old man, was fatally shot by a responding police officer, according to Delaware State Police.

The suspect approached Snook a short time after entering the DMV and shot him, according to Delaware State Police spokesperson Cpl. Raushan Rich.

Snook managed to push a DMV employee out of harm's way before being shot a second time, according to Rich.

Snook was fatally shot while working an overtime assignment at the Karen L. Johnson Division of Motor Vehicles on Hessler Boulevard in Wilmington, according to state police.

"We lost a brother, a son, best friend, a coach, a husband and a father," Col. William Crotty, Superintendent of Delaware State Police, said at a press briefing Tuesday night. "Our trooper loved his community. He served with honor and integrity, and his life was cut short by senseless violence."

"His last actions were that of a hero – a hero who saved lives today while sacrificing his own," he added.

Snook was described as a dependable, professional and committed trooper by state police.

Delaware State Police reported an active shooter at a DMV in New Castle on Tuesday afternoon.

Multiple police agencies responded and a New Castle County police officer "confronted the suspect and shot him," Rich said.

Police shortly updated that the situation was no longer active and that a suspect was in custody. The suspect was transported to an area hospital, where he died, according to Rich.

The trooper was also transported to a local hospital, where he died, Rich said.

Several people sustained non-gunshot-related injuries, including a second trooper and a 40-year-old woman, according to Rich. A 35-year-old woman was evaluated for shortness of breath and declined transport to a hospital, he said.

"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," Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer said at the press briefing.

Snook is survived by his wife and their one-year-old daughter, officials said.

"Our DSP family extends its deepest condolences to the Snook family. We are forever grateful to them for sharing 'Ty' with us and for the sacrifices they made in support of his service to the citizens of Delaware," state police said in their statement Wednesday.

Police did not release any further details on the incident, including an alleged motive.