A Delaware State Police trooper died Tuesday after being shot during a shooting at a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Wilmington, authorities said.

According to the Delaware State Police, the incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. when a 44-year-old man entered the building as a customer and, shortly after, opened fire. Then, he opened fire inside the facility.

The officer died after being taken to a hospital

According to Corporal Raushan Rich at a press conference, the suspect approached an officer working overtime who was sitting at the reception desk and shot him. Despite being wounded, the officer pushed a DMV employee out of harm's way before being shot a second time.

A New Castle County Sheriff's deputy who responded to the scene confronted the attacker and shot him. The suspect was taken to a hospital, where he died. The wounded deputy later died from his injuries.

Other people were affected

Authorities reported that a 40-year-old woman was taken to a hospital with minor, non-gunshot-related injuries. Another woman, 35, was treated for respiratory distress but declined hospitalization. A second state trooper was also evaluated for minor injuries and did not require transport.

Authorities highlight the officer's heroic act

Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel William Crotty mourned the trooper's death and highlighted his actions during the attack.

“We lost a brother, a son, a husband, and a father. His last actions were those of a hero, saving lives by sacrificing his own,” he stated.

Official reactions and DMV closure

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer expressed his condolences to the trooper's family and emphasized that the incident demonstrates the risks law enforcement officers face even in everyday situations.

Following the shooting,All DMV offices in the state were closed as a precautionary measure. The investigation continues with support from the federal Department of Justice.