Officials released a final update on the man who they say was killed by a police officer after murdering a Delaware State trooper at a DMV last year.
In what was described as a “deliberate and targeted attack,” Rahman Rose, 44, shot and killed Corporal Grade One Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, 34, at the Karen L. Johnson DMV on 2230 Hessler Boulevard in New Castle, Delaware, investigators said.
Deadly shooting at Delaware DMV
On Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, Delaware State Police released new details on Snook’s murder as well as Rose’s background and possible motivation.
The murder of Cpl/1 Matthew T. “Ty” Snook
On Dec. 23, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., Rahman Rose entered the Karen L. Johnson DMV in New Castle, Delaware, and took a seat in the driver services area. He then exited a short time later without contacting anyone or conducting any business, officials said.
Rose returned to the DMV shortly before 2 p.m. that day and obtained a queue ticket from the welcome desk where Cpl/1 Snook and a DMV employee were stationed, according to investigators. At that point, there was no interaction between Snook and Rose who once again sat in the driver services area, officials said.
About three minutes later, Rose approached Cpl/1 Snook from behind, took out a handgun and opened fire, shooting Cpl/1 Snook over the glass partition, according to investigators.
After being shot, Cpl/1 Snook shielded the DMV worker from harm and was once again struck by gunfire, officials said.
At the time of the shooting, Rose allowed and encouraged several customers to leave the DMV while he remained inside, according to investigators. Rose then appeared to wait for responding police officers. Officials said Rose only fired additional shots at the responding officers, supporting their belief that he was only targeting law enforcement in the shooting.
At 2:07 p.m., a New Castle County Police officer who responded to the scene shot Rose through a window from outside the building.
Both Snook and Rose were taken to the hospital where they were both later pronounced dead.
A second trooper had non-life-threatening injuries and did not have to go to a hospital. A 40-year-old woman was taken to the hospital for minor, non-gunshot related injuries. A 35-year-old woman was also evaluated for shortness of breath and declined transport to the hospital.
Delaware State Police described Cpl/1 Snook as “an exemplary Trooper and a devoted father, husband, son, brother and friend.
“Ty’s courageous act of strength and sacrifice reflected the core values he lived by every day – protecting others with bravery, selflessness, and steadfast integrity,” a Delaware State Police spokesperson wrote. “Ty leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.”
What we know about Rahman Rose
Prior to the shooting, Rose – who had lived in Connecticut but was most recently staying in the Wilmington area – had told those who knew him that he believed police were targeting him and that he was concerned law enforcement was coming after him, investigators said.
Rose had also recently posted anti-police content on social media and claimed he was the victim of “gang stalking,” believing he was constantly being watched and harassed by the government and law enforcement entities.
Investigators believe Rose acted alone and found no evidence that he had conspired with others in the attack. Investigators also said that Rose had limited contact with Delaware law enforcement prior to the shooting but none of those interactions were criminal in nature, resulted in an arrest or involved Cpl/1 Snook. Detectives determined the shooting was a “deliberate and targeted attack on law enforcement.”
Anyone who is a victim or a witness to a crime or lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs assistance should call the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You can also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.
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