NEW CASTLE, DE — A Delaware state trooper died saving an innocent life after a gunman walked into a DelawareDivision of Motor Vehiclesand shot him, officials say.
The 44-year-old gunman, who hasn't been identified, walked into the DMV and up to the reception desk where the trooper was working overtime on Tuesday, Dec. 23, Delaware State Police spokesperson Cpl. Raushan Rich said at a news conference. Without warning, the gunman shot the trooper, who then pushed a DMV employee out of the way before the shooter hit him again, Rich said.
Before the killer could hurt anyone else, a New Castle County police officer confronted and shot him. The suspect died soon after at a local hospital.
The trooper, who also hasn't been identified, also succumbed to his wounds at a hospital.
"The heart of the state of Delaware breaks tonight," Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer said at a news conference, calling the trooper "a hero who gave his life in the line of duty."
"He made the ultimate sacrifice protecting his fellow Delawareans, and our hearts break for him," Meyer said of the trooper, a married father. "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 State Police Col. William Crotty called the loss "devastating."
"We lost a brother, a son, a best friend, a coach, a husband and a father," Crotty said. "Our trooper loved his community, he served with honor and integrity, and his life was cut short by senseless violence."
Joshua Bushweller, secretary of Delaware's Department of Safety and Homeland Security, said that "two days before Christmas, we lost a hero."
The trooper "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," Bushweller said. "Unfortunately that trooper will not be coming home."
Crotty added: "His service and sacrifice will always be remembered."
Troopers routinely work at Delaware DMVs
Delaware State Police reported there was an "active shooter" at a DMV location on Hessler Boulevard in Wilmington, Delaware, at about 2:18 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Dec. 23. By about 2:42 p.m., state police said there was "no longer an active shooter."
The DMV falls under the jurisdiction of the Delaware State Police, and troopers are routinely stationed at the DMV for security.
Following the shooting, the state Department of Transportation announced that all state DMVs were closed "until further notice." People were initially directed to use the Delaware City DMV for services.
Delaware Department of Justice helps investigate
Senior prosecutors are helping with the investigation into the shooting, according to the Delaware Department of Justice. Members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation were also seen at the DMV following the shooting.
The state Justice Department said it will continue to support police and the state Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
"We are praying for the law enforcement family," Mat Marshall, a spokesperson for the state Justice Department, said in a statement.
State officials react to the shooting
Delaware Rep. Sarah McBride posted on X that she was briefed on the shooting and continues to be in touch with state officials. She said she is praying for "all of those impacted, including our brave law enforcement officers."
Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester said it's a "tragic" day for Delaware and that the shooting is "devastating."
"The holiday season should be about joy and celebration, not senseless acts of violence," she said in a statement.
Delaware Sen. Chris Coons said he was "heartbroken."
"This is devastating for their family, their fellow officers, and our entire state. Our law enforcement community is a strong one – knit together through courage and a determination to serve," he said. "I'm grateful for their brave actions today that likely saved lives."
Contributing: Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, and Brittany Horn and Olivia Montes, Delaware News Journal
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal:'Hero' state trooper killed in shooting at Delaware DMV: 'Pure evil'
