A 44-year-old gunman strolled into a Delaware DMV office in New Castle as a customer and opened fire on a state trooper, killing him, authorities say.
"One Delaware State Trooper has been confirmed killed during this incident. We are continuing to assess additional injuries. Please avoid the area," Delaware State Police wrote in a statement. They initially labeled the situation an active shooter incident.
"The shooting suspect is confirmed dead," police wrote. "A 35-year-old woman was evaluated for shortness of breath and refused transport to the hospital. A second state trooper was evaluated for minor, non-gunshot-related injury, and was not transported by EMS."
In a news conference posted on the ABC 6 website, authorities said the suspect "entered the DMV as a customer." He then allegedly approached the trooper who was working on an overtime assignment at the reception desk and "shot him."
The wounded trooper then moved a DMV employee out of harm's way and was shot again by the suspect, authorities said.
A New Castle police officer responded and shot the suspect. He died at a hospital, authorities said. The names of the trooper and suspect were not yet released.
"He made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow Delawareans and our heart breaks for his family," said Gov. Matt Meyer, in the press conference. "The heart of the state of Delaware breaks tonight." He called the trooper a "hero who gave his life in the line of duty."
The slain trooper was described in the news conference as a hero, coach, husband, and father. He was described as a law enforcement officer with integrity whose sacrifice would "always be remembered."
According to ABC 6, a bullet hole could be seen in the window of the DMV, and personal belongings were scattered around. Authorities have not released a motive for the shooting.