The Delaware State Police would like to thank the public, partnering agencies, and members of the law enforcement community for their overwhelming support and respect shown during today’s dignified transfer honoring Cpl/1 Matthew T. “Ty” Snook.

As Cpl/1 Snook was escorted with honor, members of the community lined roadways, stood in silence, and displayed messages of gratitude and support. The Delaware State Police are deeply grateful for the compassion shown to Cpl/1 Snook’s family and to the women and men who continue to serve during this time of profound loss.

“The outpouring of support shown today serves as a powerful reminder that Cpl/1 Snook’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “On behalf of the Delaware State Police, I thank the public and our law enforcement partners for standing with Ty’s family and with our agency during this heartbreaking time. We continue to ask for prayers for his wife, his daughter, and the entire family.”

“Cpl/1 Matthew “Ty” Snook was a dedicated Delaware State Trooper whose courage and commitment to protecting others was evident every day he put on his uniform. He was also a husband and a father. In his final moments, he showed the kind of bravery most of us can only imagine, reflecting the highest values of service. As we hold his wife, his little girl, the law-enforcement community, and all who loved him close in our hearts, may we honor Ty’s legacy by striving to build a world worthy of the sacrifice he made,” said Governor Matt Meyer.

“We are mourning the tragic loss of one of our own Delaware State Troopers, Cpl/1 Matthew “Ty” Snook, who was murdered in the line of duty. This is a devastating time for Ty’s family, for the men and women of the Delaware State Police, and for our entire law enforcement family across the state. Cpl/1 Snook made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the people of Delaware—answering a call to protect others, never knowing it would be his last. His courage, commitment, and selflessness will never be forgotten. We ask all Delawareans to keep Ty’s family, friends, and fellow troopers in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” said Secretary Joshua Bushweller, Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

The Delaware State Police remains deeply appreciative of the continued support shown by the community as the agency continues to grieve the loss of Cpl/1 Snook.

With the approval of the Snook family, information regarding an official fund established to support Cpl/1 Snook’s loved ones is available at Help Support Corporal Grade One Snook’s Family | Help a Hero.

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WILMINGTON, De. – Officials have identified the Delaware State Police trooper who was shot and killed in a DMV in Wilmington on Tuesday.

Delaware State Police trooper killed

Delaware State Police Corporal Grade One Matthew T. “Ty” Snook. (Credit: Delaware State Police)

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What we know:

Matthew “Ty” Snook was killed in the shooting in Wilmington on Tuesday, Dec. 23, the Delaware State Police announced on Wednesday.

Snook, 34, was a 10-year veteran of the department and a Delaware native. He is survived by his wife and their one-year-old daughter.

Delaware DMV shooting

The backstory:

The shooting happened just after 2 p.m. Tuesday, at the DMV office on Hessler Boulevard in Wilmington.

According to officials, the 44-year-old suspect walked into the DMV as a customer, before walking up to Snook and shooting him. Snook then pushed a DMV employee out of the way of the shooter, before the suspect shot Snook again.

Other officers shot and killed the shooter. 

Snook died from his injuries shortly after. One other trooper suffered a minor, non-gunshot-related injury. One woman was also hospitalized for a minor injury.

What we don’t know:

Officials have not yet identified the suspected shooter.

Delaware community responds

What they’re saying:

Delaware State Police called Snook “a respected colleague, a trusted partner, and a beloved member of both the Delaware State Police and the community he served.”

In an online fundraising campaign for Snook’s family, the Delaware State Troopers Association called Snook “a loving husband, devoted father and a deeply cherished friend.”

“Those who knew him remember his steady presence, his kindness, and his unwavering commitment to the people he loved,” the organization wrote, adding that “as a Trooper, Ty served the people of Delaware with courage, integrity and selflessness.”

What you can do:

Snook’s family has started a “Help a Hero” campaign, raising money to help with expenses. More information about that fundraiser can be found by clicking here.

What’s next:

No funeral arrangements for Snook have been announced.