The Delaware Trooper Killing at a motor vehicle office has raised serious concerns about public safety and targeted attacks on law enforcement. Investigators say the man responsible believed police were watching and harassing him, even though he had no prior contact with the officer he killed.
The incident happened on December 23 at a Department of Motor Vehicles office in New Castle. State Police Corporal Matthew Snook was working an overtime shift at the reception desk. Rahman Rose entered the building as a customer. Authorities say Rose approached the officer from behind and fired a handgun at close range.
Investigators later confirmed that Rose did not know Snook and had never interacted with him before. Police said there was no personal dispute or recent contact between the two men. Despite this, detectives concluded the attack was deliberate and aimed at law enforcement.
Police explained that Rose believed officers were monitoring him. He had told people in his life that law enforcement was targeting him. Investigators also found social media posts in which Rose claimed he was a victim of what he called gang stalking. Authorities described this belief as the idea that government groups are watching and harassing a person.
Rose was 44 years old at the time of the shooting. He had previously lived in Connecticut and later moved to Delaware. At the time of the incident, he was staying in Wilmington and did not have a permanent address. His contact with Delaware police in the year before the shooting was limited. Police said those encounters involved no arrests or criminal accusations.
Investigators said Rose first visited the DMV office earlier that morning. He stayed briefly and then left. A few hours later, he returned. That second visit ended in violence. Police believe he waited for the right moment before attacking.
During the shooting, Snook acted to protect others inside the building. Investigators said he moved to shield a DMV employee as shots were fired. Several rounds were discharged during the attack, creating fear and chaos inside the office.
As officers responded, Rose allowed some customers to leave the building. Police said he then fired additional shots as law enforcement moved closer. A New Castle County police officer, positioned outside the building, fired through a window and struck Rose.
Rose was taken to a hospital after the shooting. He later died from his injuries. No other civilians were reported injured during the incident.
Corporal Snook, known to many as Ty, had served with the state police for ten years. Colleagues described him as dedicated and committed to protecting others. Investigators said his actions during the attack reflected his training and sense of duty.
Law enforcement officials said the case highlights the risks officers face even during routine assignments. Snook was not conducting a traffic stop or responding to a crime call. He was assisting the public in a government office when the attack occurred.
The investigation found no evidence that Rose was directed by any group or acting on behalf of others. Police said the evidence points to a lone attacker driven by personal beliefs about being targeted by authorities.
Officials said the final findings close the investigation into the incident. They emphasized that the attack was intentional and focused on law enforcement as a symbol of authority, rather than on any specific personal conflict.
The Delaware Trooper Killing has left a lasting impact on the local community and police force. Leaders said the loss serves as a reminder of the dangers officers face and the importance of safety in public spaces.
