Wilmington, Delaware, December 24, 2025
A shooting at the Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles resulted in the deaths of a Delaware State Trooper and the suspect. The incident left three others injured and led to the closure of all Delaware DMV locations for employees to mourn. Flags were raised to half-staff in honor of the fallen trooper, who displayed heroism by protecting a DMV employee during the confrontation.
Wilmington, Delaware
A shooting incident at the Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on Tuesday afternoon, December 23, 2025, resulted in the deaths of a Delaware State Trooper and the suspect. Three other individuals sustained injuries. The tragic event unfolded around 2 p.m. at the facility on Hessler Boulevard in New Castle.
Incident Details
Authorities confirmed that the Delaware State Trooper, who was working an overtime assignment at the reception desk, was fatally shot after being approached by a 44-year-old male suspect who had entered the DMV as a customer. The trooper, prior to succumbing to his injuries, reportedly pushed a DMV employee out of harm’s way. A New Castle County police officer subsequently confronted and shot the suspect, who later died at a hospital.
Casualties and Injuries
Beyond the two fatalities, a 40-year-old woman was transported to a hospital with minor, non-gunshot-related injuries. A second state trooper received evaluation for a minor, non-gunshot-related injury at the scene, and a 35-year-old woman was checked for shortness of breath but was not taken to the hospital.
Community Response
Following the incident, all four Delaware DMV locations were closed on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, to allow employees time to process the tragedy. Flags were lowered to half-staff to honor the fallen trooper. Over 50 employees were working at the Wilmington DMV facility at the time of the shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened at the Wilmington DMV?
- A shooting incident occurred at the Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on Tuesday afternoon, December 23, 2025, resulting in the deaths of a Delaware State Trooper and the suspect. Three other individuals sustained injuries.
- When did the shooting at the Wilmington DMV take place?
- The shooting took place on Tuesday afternoon, December 23, 2025, around 2 p.m.
- Who were the fatalities in the Wilmington DMV shooting?
- The fatalities were a Delaware State Trooper and the suspect.
- Were there any other injuries?
- Yes, a 40-year-old woman sustained minor, non-gunshot-related injuries and was transported to a 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.
- How did the shooting unfold?
- A 44-year-old male suspect entered the DMV as a customer and fatally shot a Delaware State Trooper who was working an overtime assignment at the reception desk. A New Castle County police officer then confronted and shot the suspect, who later died.
- What was the immediate response to the incident?
- All four Delaware DMV locations were closed on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. Flags were lowered to half-staff to honor the fallen trooper.
Key Features of the Wilmington DMV Shooting Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Hessler Boulevard, New Castle, Delaware |
| Date and Time | Tuesday afternoon, December 23, 2025, around 2 p.m. |
| Fatalities | One Delaware State Trooper, One suspect |
| Injured | Three individuals (one 40-year-old woman with minor non-gunshot injuries, one second state trooper with minor non-gunshot injury, one 35-year-old woman checked for shortness of breath) |
| Suspect Details | 44-year-old male, entered as a customer |
| Trooper’s Actions | Pushed a DMV employee out of harm’s way before succumbing to injuries |
| Law Enforcement Response | Multiple police agencies responded; New Castle County police officer confronted and shot suspect |
| DMV Operations | All four Delaware DMV locations closed on December 24, 2025 |
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