Delaware state trooper killed in DMV shooting incident, gunman also dead with no active threat: officials

A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday while working at a Division of Motor Vehicles building when a gunman, who was shot and killed by responding officers, opened fire, authorities said.

The Delaware State Police said it responded to an active shooter situation at a DMV location in Wilmington at around 2 p.m. Authorities said a 44-year-old suspect went into the DMV as a customer prior to opening fire. 

"The suspect approached a trooper who was working an overtime assignment, sitting at the reception desk, and shot him," Delaware State Police CPL. Raushan Rich told reporters during a news conference. "After being shot, the trooper pushed a DMV employee out of harm's way, and the suspect shot the trooper again."

A responding New Castle County police officer approached the gunman and shot him, Rich said. He was taken to a hospital where he died. The unidentified trooper also died at a hospital.  

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A 40-year-old woman was taken to a hospital for minor, non-gunshot-related injuries, police said. Another woman, 35, was evaluated for shortness of breath and refused to go to a hospital. A second state trooper was evaluated for minor, non-gunshot-related injury, and was not taken to a hospital, authorities said. 

"We lost a brother, a son, a best friend, a coach, a husband and a father," said Delawate State Police Superintendent Col. William Crotty. "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."

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer offered his condolences to the family of the fallen law enforcement officer. He said Tuesday's deadly shooting is a reminder that law enforcement officers face danger, even during the most routine circumstances. 

"They stand as guardians protecting our communities, often at great risk," he said.

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U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del., said she was briefed on the matter and offered her prayers to those involved. 

"I am praying for all of those impacted, including our brave law enforcement officers. I continue to be in touch with state officials as we all gain more information," she wrote on social media. 

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said he was monitoring the situation. 

"I’m horrified by the tragic reports of a shooting there. Please keep our community in your prayers," he said on X. 

The Justice Department told Fox Philadelphia that U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wallace has dispatched prosecutors to assist with the investigation.

All DMV locations across the state were closed Tuesday after the shooting.