Wilmington, Delaware, December 24, 2025
A shooting at a DMV office near Wilmington, Delaware, resulted in the death of a state trooper and a gunman. The trooper bravely intervened to protect others, prompting community outrage and reflection on gun violence and public safety. Local officials, including Governor Matt Meyer, condemned the act and praised the trooper as a hero. The incident has revived discussions around law enforcement challenges and calls for measures to address gun violence. All DMV offices in Delaware were closed following the shooting as the community mourns the loss.
Tragic DMV Shooting Claims Lives of Trooper and Suspect
Wilmington, Delaware Experiences Another Act of Gun Violence
Wilmington, Delaware – In a shocking incident on December 23, 2025, a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office near Wilmington became the site of a tragic shooting that resulted in the deaths of a Delaware state trooper and a 44-year-old gunman. The event has driven the local community to reflect on the challenges law enforcement faces and the impact of violence on public safety.
The shooting occurred around 2 p.m. at the DMV location on Hessler Boulevard in New Castle. The gunman entered the office posing as a customer and suddenly approached the trooper, who was stationed at the reception desk on an overtime assignment. In an unexpected turn of events, the suspect opened fire, injuring the trooper. Despite his critical condition, the officer demonstrated remarkable courage as he managed to push a nearby employee to safety before being shot again, ultimately leading to his death. The situation escalated when a New Castle County police officer responded promptly to neutralize the threat, fatally shooting the gunman.
Community Response and Support
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from local officials, including Governor Matt Meyer, who described the tragic event as “pure evil.” He emphasized the bravery of the law enforcement officers involved, acknowledging that without their decisive action, the situation could have been far worse. The fallen trooper has been lauded as a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others, as officials highlight his dedication to his community.
Details Surrounding the Incident
The state trooper and the gunman were both transported to local hospitals, where they were subsequently pronounced dead. Additionally, a 40-year-old woman sustained a minor, non-gunshot-related injury, and a second state trooper was evaluated for a similar minor injury at the scene. Another bystander was assessed for shortness of breath but declined further medical attention. The DMV office was secured within an hour of the incident, and as a precautionary measure, all Delaware DMV offices were closed to allow employees to begin the processing of this tragic event.
Remembering the Fallen Trooper
Col. William D. Crotty of the Delaware State Police has paid tribute to the trooper, describing him as “a brother, a son, a best friend, a coach, a husband, and a father.” This characterization underscores the personal loss felt not only by his family and friends but also by the wider community. The overwhelming response from citizens and officials alike highlights the vital role that law enforcement plays in ensuring public safety each day.
The Broader Context of Gun Violence
As communities across the nation grapple with issues related to gun violence, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement. The discussion surrounding safety, citizen protection, and the measures necessary to prevent such tragedies often leads to calls for both community engagement and responsible legislative action. The event emphasizes the importance of supporting law enforcement and addressing the root causes of violence in society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the shooting at the Delaware DMV?
A 44-year-old gunman entered a DMV office near Wilmington, Delaware, approached a state trooper working at the reception desk, and shot him. Despite being wounded, the trooper pushed a nearby employee to safety before being shot again, leading to his death. A New Castle County police officer responded, confronted the gunman, and fatally shot him. Both the trooper and the gunman were transported to local hospitals, where they were pronounced dead. A 40-year-old woman sustained a minor, non-gunshot-related injury and was taken to an area hospital. A second state trooper was evaluated for a minor, non-gunshot-related injury at the scene, and a 35-year-old woman was checked for shortness of breath but declined hospitalization. The threat was neutralized before 3 p.m., and the DMV office was secured. In response to the incident, all Delaware DMV offices statewide were closed to allow employees to process the tragedy. The fallen trooper is remembered as a hero who saved lives while sacrificing his own. The incident has prompted an outpouring of support from the community and officials, highlighting the dangers law enforcement officers face daily in their commitment to public safety.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | DMV office near Wilmington, Delaware |
| Date and Time | December 23, 2025, around 2 p.m. |
| Victims | Delaware state trooper (name not released), 44-year-old gunman (name not released) |
| Injuries | 40-year-old woman with minor, non-gunshot-related injury; second state trooper with minor, non-gunshot-related injury; 35-year-old woman evaluated for shortness of breath |
| Response | New Castle County police officer confronted and fatally shot the gunman; both the trooper and the gunman were transported to local hospitals, where they were pronounced dead |
| DMV Office Status | Closed statewide to allow employees to process the tragedy |
| Governor’s Statement | Governor Matt Meyer condemned the act as “pure evil” and praised the heroism of the law enforcement officers involved |
| Trooper’s Legacy | Remembered as a hero who saved lives while sacrificing his own; Col. William D. Crotty described him as “a brother, a son, a best friend, a coach, a husband, and a father” |
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