A gunman fatally shot a Delaware state trooper Tuesday afternoon at a DMV location in Wilmington.
The shooter was shot and killed by law enforcement after police responded to the active shooter situation around 2 p.m. Tuesday. The shooting, which an on-the-ground reporter described as an “execution-style” attack, occurred two days before Christmas.
The 44-year-old male suspect entered the DMV building as a customer and shot the state trooper who pushed a DMV employee out of the way, Delaware State Police told reporters at a press conference. The deceased trooper’s name will not be released until his family has been adequately notified.
Officials thanked the state trooper, along with others, for saving lives up until his death.
“What happened today was an act of pure evil,” Gov. Matt Meyer (D-DE) said. “If not for the heroism of several troopers and other officers, the consequences could have been so much worse. We are deeply grateful to the state and law enforcement officers whose quick action and professionalism helped prevent further harm.”
A second trooper and two women were also injured. The surviving trooper sustained a minor, non-gunshot-related injury. A 40-year-old woman also sustained minor, non-gunshot-related injuries, and a 35-year-old woman was evaluated for shortness of breath following the shooting.
Meyer also thanked first responders, medical professionals, and DMV employees for their efforts in helping to save lives as the tragedy unfolded.
“Please remember tonight that there are Delawareans who are alive because of heroic actions of the deceased trooper and others,” the governor added, “and I ask that all Delawareans join me in keeping the entire Delaware State Police family in their prayers tonight and into the new year.”
The Delaware State Police continued to urge the public to avoid the area through Tuesday night.
Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Delaware House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown were among the lawmakers who responded to the gun violence.
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“This officer put on their uniform this morning and went to work to make our community safer,” Coons said. “Now, they will never come home. This is devastating for their family, their fellow officers, and our entire state.”
“We are absolutely horrified and heartbroken by the reports coming out of Wilmington this afternoon,” Minor-Brown said on behalf of the Delaware House Democratic Caucus. “On what should have been a day of togetherness and cheer, people simply running errands and preparing for Christmas were met with a senseless and horrific act of violence.”
