A Delaware state trooper has been shot and killed in what the state's governor has condemned as an 'act of pure evil'. Corporal Matthew 'Ty' Snook, 34, was fatally wounded during a violent incident at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office near Wilmington.
A Hero's Final Act
Corporal Snook was working an overtime assignment at the DMV on Tuesday when a 44-year-old gunman opened fire. According to reports from the scene, the trooper's final act was one of profound bravery: he was shot while reportedly pushing a colleague to safety. The assailant was subsequently shot and killed by another officer at the scene.
Cpl. Snook, a native of Hockessin, Delaware, was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries. He had served with the Delaware State Police for a decade, building a reputation as a dependable and committed officer. Off duty, he was a University of Maryland graduate and a former member of its wrestling team.
A Life of Service and Family
The fallen trooper leaves behind a devastated family, including his wife and their one-year-old daughter. In an official statement, the Delaware State Police described him as a trusted partner and a beloved member of the community.
"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," the agency said, extending its deepest condolences.
A fundraising campaign established to support his family paints a picture of a devoted man. It describes Cpl. Snook as a "loving husband, a devoted father, and a deeply cherished friend". The organiser wrote: "Family meant everything to Ty, and he worked every day to provide, protect, and be present for those closest to him."
Investigation and Aftermath
Authorities have not yet publicly named the gunman or disclosed a potential motive for the deadly DMV shooting. The investigation into the tragedy is ongoing.
In the wake of the violence, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer addressed the public. "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," he stated during a news conference on Wednesday.
As a mark of respect and to allow for a review of security procedures, the state DMV closed all its offices. All locations, except the site of the shooting, were scheduled to reopen the following Monday.
