State Police Provides Update of Line-of-Duty Death Investigation at Wilmington DMV – Delaware State Police
Date Posted: Friday, January 16th, 2026
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is providing a final update of its investigation regarding the murder of Cpl/1 Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, which occurred on December 23, 2025, at the Karen L. Johnson Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) facility, located at 2230 Hessler Boulevard in New Castle, Delaware.
Following a thorough investigation, the Delaware State Police have determined that Cpl/1 Snook was the victim of a targeted attack against law enforcement. The investigation identified Rahman Rose as the suspect responsible for the murder of Cpl/1 Snook. Rose, who had previously resided in Connecticut, had most recently been staying in the Wilmington area without a permanent address.
Leading up to the incident, Rose told those who knew him that he believed the police were targeting him and that he was concerned law enforcement was coming after him. He had also recently posted anti-police content on social media and expressed that he was the victim of “gang stalking,” a personal belief that someone is being constantly surveilled and harassed by the government and/or law enforcement entities.
The investigation has found no evidence that Rose was acting on behalf of, or in conjunction with, any group or other individuals. Additionally, it was found that while Rose had limited contact with Delaware law enforcement in the year prior to the incident, none of those contacts were criminal in nature, resulted in an arrest, or involved Cpl/1 Snook. Detectives found no prior relationship, interaction, or dispute between Rose and Cpl/1 Snook. Based on the totality of the evidence, detectives concluded this was a deliberate and targeted attack on law enforcement.
The handgun used in the murder was legally purchased by Rose in 2021 while he was in Connecticut. At the time of the purchase and prior to the incident, Rose was not prohibited from purchasing or possessing weapons, and he had a limited criminal record.
On December 23, 2025, Rose entered the DMV at approximately 11:30 a.m., took a seat in the driver services area, and exited a short time later without contacting anyone or conducting any business. He returned at approximately 1:56 p.m. and obtained a queue ticket from the welcome desk, where Cpl/1 Snook and a DMV employee were stationed. There was no interaction or exchange between Rose and Cpl/1 Snook at that time. Rose again took a seat in the driver services area.
Approximately three minutes later, Rose ambushed Cpl/1 Snook from behind at the welcome desk. Rose fired several rounds, striking Cpl/1 Snook over the glass partition from a handgun he had concealed on his body. Cpl/1 Snook valiantly and heroically shielded the DMV employee from harm before he was struck again by additional gunfire.
As previously reported, Rose allowed and encouraged several customers to leave the building while he remained inside. He then appeared to wait for responding law enforcement. The investigation revealed that the only additional shots fired by Rose were at responding officers, further supporting that the attack was solely directed at law enforcement personnel.
At approximately 2:07 p.m., a responding officer from the New Castle County Police Department shot Rose through a window from outside the building. Rose was transported 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.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].
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