Gunman who killed Delaware state trooper Matthew "Ty" Snook was targeting law enforcement, police say
Delaware state police say the man who shot and killed a trooper at a DMV facility in New Castle County, just two days before Christmas, was specifically targeting law enforcement.
Investigators released new details Friday about the shooting of Cpl. Matthew "Ty" Snook .
They say the gunman, 44-year-old Rahman Rose, previously resided in Connecticut but was staying in the Wilmington area with no permanent address.
According to police, Rose had told people who knew him that he believed police were targeting him and was concerned law enforcement was coming after him.
He had posted anti-police content on social media, authorities said. He also allegedly said he believed he was the victim of "gang stalking," which police described as "a personal belief that someone is being constantly surveilled and harassed by the government and/or law enforcement entities."
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State police say they have found no evidence that Rose was acting on behalf of, or in conjunction with, any other group or individuals.
And while Rose had some limited contact with Delaware law enforcement in the year prior to the shooting, police say none of the contact was criminal in nature, resulted in an arrest, or involved Cpl. Snook.
In fact, state police say detectives found no prior relationship, interaction, or dispute between Rose and Cpl. Snook.
"Based on the totality of the evidence, detectives concluded this was a deliberate and targeted attack on law enforcement," Delaware state police said.
Rose legally purchased the gun involved in Connecticut back in 2021. Rose was not prohibited from purchasing or possessing weapons at the time, police say, and had a limited criminal record.
According to police, Rose entered the DMV facility at 2230 Hessler Boulevard in Minquadale around 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 23. He took a seat in the driver's services area, police said, but left a short time later without contacting anyone or conducting any business.
He returned at 1:56 p.m. and took a queue ticket from the welcome desk, where Snook and a DMV employee were stationed.
There was no interaction between Rose and Snook at that time, police say, and Rose took a seat in the driver's services area.
However, about three minutes later, police say Rose ambushed Snook from behind, using a concealed handgun to shoot him from over a glass partition.
Snook "valiantly and heroically" shielded the DMV worker, police said, before he was shot again.
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Rose then "allowed and encouraged" several customers to leave the building while he remained inside.
He appeared to wait for law enforcement, according to police. Investigators say the only other shots Rose fired were at responding officers.
At 2:07 p.m., a New Castle County police officer shot Rose through a window from outside the building.
Rose was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
"The Delaware State Police would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has shown support during this incredibly difficult time. Cpl/1 Snook was 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. Ty leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him," state police said in a statement.
