The Delaware State Police is investigating a line-of-duty death after a trooper was killed Tuesday afternoon at the Karen L. Johnson Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
On December 23, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., troopers and local law enforcement responded to the DMV, located at 2230 Hessler Boulevard, in New Castle, for reports of an active shooter. The initial investigation revealed Rahman Rose, a 44-year-old man with a last known address in Wilmington, entered the DMV as a customer. Corporal Grade One Matthew Snook was stationed at the reception desk working an overtime assignment. The early investigation indicates Rose approached Cpl/1 Snook from behind and shot him with a handgun. After being shot, Cpl/1 Snook pushed a DMV employee out of the way and told them to run as Rose continued firing multiple rounds at Cpl/1 Snook.
Rose allowed customers to leave the building and remained inside waiting for responding law enforcement. As officers arrived, Rose fired multiple rounds at law enforcement as they approached the building. A New Castle County police officer saw Rose and shot him through a window from outside the DMV.
Cpl/1 Snook was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
A second trooper, who responded to the scene, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was not taken to the hospital. A 40-year-old woman was taken to a local hospital for minor, non-gunshot-related injuries. A 35-year-old woman was evaluated for shortness of breath and declined transport to the hospital.
Rose was taken to an area hospital, where he died.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives ask anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact Detective D. Grassi at (302) 365-8441or daniel.grassi@delaware.gov. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.