Delaware officials honored a state trooper killed after an armed man opened fire at a Wilmington DMV. The trooper, working an overtime reception shift, pushed an employee out of harm’s way before being shot and later died at a local hospital. The 44-year-old shooter was fatally shot by officers, and two others suffered non-gunshot injuries. Authorities say an investigation is ongoing.
Delaware State Trooper Killed at Wilmington DMV Praised as Hero After Shielding Employee
Crime scene tape still visible outside the Delaware DMV site on Hessler Boulevard, on Dec. 24. (Damian Giletto / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Delaware officials praised the bravery of a state trooper who was killed after an armed man opened fire at a Wilmington Department of Motor Vehicles office on Tuesday afternoon.
What Happened
The attack began around 2 p.m. when a 44-year-old man entered the DMV and shot the trooper who was working an overtime shift at the reception desk, the Delaware State Police said. The trooper shoved an employee out of the shooter’s path before being shot again. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Law Enforcement Response
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene. A New Castle police officer confronted the assailant, and the 44-year-old shooter was fatally shot during that confrontation, authorities said. Two other people sustained injuries that were not related to gunfire: another state trooper and a 40-year-old woman, who was transported to the hospital.
Officials' Statements
“Two days before Christmas, we lost a hero, a dedicated member of the Delaware State Police family, who literally woke up this morning, put on his uniform like he did every day, and he went to work to serve the people of our state,”
Joshua Bushweller, secretary of the state Safety and Homeland Security Department, said the incident is a stark reminder that troopers face danger even during routine assignments.
“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 called the fallen trooper a hero who made the "ultimate sacrifice" in the line of duty.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not released the name of the slain trooper pending family notification. The Delaware State Police continue to investigate the shooting and have appealed to anyone with information or video from the area to come forward.
