WILMINGTON, DE — The First State is united in a deep, agonizing grief following a day of unprecedented violence at a public government facility. On Tuesday afternoon, December 23, 2025, a routine day of administrative tasks turned into a battlefield at the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on Hessler Boulevard. Authorities have officially identified the courageous victim as Matthew Tyler Snook, a veteran Delaware State Trooper who gave his life to protect the civilians around him. The man responsible for the carnage has been identified as 44-year-old Avery Young, who was also killed during the law enforcement response to the active shooter event.
The loss of Matthew Tyler Snook just two days before Christmas has left the law enforcement community and the citizens of Delaware in a state of shock. As investigators work to understand the motives of Avery Young, the story of the afternoon is being defined not by the violence of the attacker, but by the extraordinary heroism of the fallen trooper.
The Initial Chaos and Heroic Response of Matthew Tyler Snook
The incident began at approximately 2:00 p.m. at the DMV facility in the Minquadale area of New Castle County. The building was crowded with residents finalizing end-of-year vehicle registrations and licensing. Matthew Tyler Snook was on duty, providing security and maintaining a presence at the facility. Witnesses report that Avery Young entered the building and, without any apparent provocation, produced a handgun and began firing into the crowded lobby.
Amid the screams and the frantic rush for exits, Matthew Tyler Snook did not hesitate. Witnesses describe the trooper immediately moving toward the sound of the gunfire to draw the attention of Avery Young away from the defenseless civilians. According to preliminary reports from the scene, Matthew Tyler Snook managed to push several bystanders behind a protective counter and engaged the suspect, allowing dozens of people to flee the building safely. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, Matthew Tyler Snook was struck and mortally wounded.
The Neutralization of Suspect Avery Young and Scene Security
The response to the 911 calls was immediate. Within minutes, multiple agencies, including the New Castle County Police and additional Delaware State Troopers, arrived at the Hessler Boulevard scene. An “active shooter” alert was broadcast across the region, prompting a massive mobilization of tactical units. Officers entering the building found a scene of total devastation.
Law enforcement officers engaged Avery Young near the main entrance of the DMV. During a brief and violent confrontation, Avery Young was shot and killed by responding officers. Once the suspect was down, tactical teams began a “sweep and clear” operation of the entire facility to ensure there were no additional threats. Governor Matt Meyer later confirmed that the threat was over by 2:45 p.m., stating that “law enforcement acted swiftly to secure the scene” and that the shooter, Avery Young, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Medical Triage and Additional Injuries Following the Death of Matthew Tyler Snook
The aftermath of the shooting required a massive medical response. While the primary trauma focused on the fallen trooper, Matthew Tyler Snook, and the deceased suspect, Avery Young, several others required emergency care. Emergency medical services (EMS) set up a triage area outside the facility to treat those injured during the panic.
A second Delaware State Trooper sustained a minor injury during the tactical response; however, police clarified that this injury was not caused by direct gunfire. Additionally, a 40-year-old woman was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor, non-gunshot-related injuries sustained while attempting to escape the building. A 35-year-old woman was also evaluated at the scene for shortness of breath but declined transport. The mental and emotional trauma inflicted upon the hundreds of people inside the DMV at the time of the Avery Young attack is expected to have a lasting impact on the community.
A Legacy of Service: The Career of Matthew Tyler Snook
To understand the magnitude of this loss, one must look at the decade of service Matthew Tyler Snook provided to the State of Delaware. Hired on March 6, 2015, Snook was a dedicated member of the Delaware State Police who had recently achieved the rank of Corporal 1. He primarily served out of Troop 6, where he was known as a mentor to younger troopers and a reliable, steady presence on patrol.
Matthew Tyler Snook was a man who believed in the fundamental mission of law enforcement: to serve and protect. His personnel file is reportedly filled with commendations for his community engagement and his ability to de-escalate volatile situations. For Matthew Tyler Snook, the badge was a symbol of a sacred trust between the police and the public. That he died while fulfilling that trust—placing his body between an armed gunman and innocent civilians—is a testament to the character he displayed throughout his life.
Investigation into the Background and Motive of Avery Young
While the state mourns its hero, the Delaware Department of Justice and the FBI have launched a comprehensive investigation into Avery Young. The 44-year-old suspect had no obvious connection to the DMV or to Matthew Tyler Snook, leading investigators to search for clues in his personal history. Detectives are currently executing search warrants at Young’s residence and analyzing his electronic devices to determine if this was a premeditated act of domestic terrorism or a targeted attack stemming from a specific grievance.
Senior prosecutors have been dispatched to the Hessler Boulevard scene to assist the Delaware State Police with the forensic investigation. Identifying the source of the firearm used by Avery Young is a high priority, as authorities look to determine if the weapon was obtained legally. The Delaware Attorney General’s office has asked for patience as they meticulously piece together the final days of Avery Young to provide answers to a grieving public.
Statewide Tributes for Fallen Hero Matthew Tyler Snook
The outpouring of support for the family of Matthew Tyler Snook has been overwhelming. Across Delaware, flags have been lowered to half-staff at all state buildings. U.S. Senator Chris Coons expressed the heartbreak of the entire state, noting that Matthew Tyler Snook went to work to make the community safer and will now never come home to his family for the holidays.
Congresswoman Sarah McBride and other state leaders have spent the evening in communication with the Snook family, offering the full support of the state. A makeshift memorial has already begun to grow near the entrance of the Wilmington DMV, where residents are leaving flowers, candles, and notes of gratitude for the sacrifice of Matthew Tyler Snook. The local law enforcement community is standing in a “blue line” of solidarity, with agencies from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey sending their condolences and support.
The DMV Closure and Ongoing Community Impact After the Avery Young Attack
The Wilmington DMV facility on Hessler Boulevard remains closed until further notice. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles has suspended all services at that location to allow for the extensive forensic investigation and to give the employees—who are also victims of this trauma—time to grieve. Residents are being redirected to the Delaware City DMV for all motor vehicle needs.
The closure of Hessler Boulevard and portions of Route 13 during the investigation caused significant traffic delays, but the community’s patience reflected the somber mood of the day. As the investigation into the actions of Avery Young and the tragic death of Matthew Tyler Snook continues, the state remains focused on healing. The senselessness of the violence is balanced only by the incredible courage shown by a man who wore the uniform with honor until the very end.
Final Thoughts on the Sacrifice of Matthew Tyler Snook
As Delaware prepares for the funeral of Matthew Tyler Snook, the conversation remains centered on the inherent risks faced by those in uniform. This tragedy is a sobering reminder that there is no such thing as a “routine” day in law enforcement. Matthew Tyler Snook lived his life with a sense of purpose and died with a level of bravery that most can only imagine.
While the name of Avery Young will be associated with this dark day in Delaware history, the name of Matthew Tyler Snook will be etched into the state’s memory as a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice. He was a father, a son, a brother, and a trooper—and he is a hero who will never be forgotten.
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