It was a Tuesday afternoon like any other at the Wilmington DMV on Hessler Boulevard, with people just trying to get their licenses renewed or cars registered before the Christmas holiday. But the routine hum of the office was shattered around 2:30 p.m. when an active shooter turned the facility into a scene of pure panic. Witnesses described a terrifying rush for the exits as shots rang out, leaving the Minquadale community in total shock.
Emergency responders were on the scene in minutes, and the radio chatter painted a grim picture. Early reports from Emergency Medical Services suggested that life-saving measures were being taken on at least two people. In the heat of the moment, word spread that one of those receiving CPR was the suspected shooter, while whispers among law enforcement sources suggested a police officer had also been hit in the exchange.
The scene was a whirlwind of blue lights and sirens. While the primary focus was on the shooting victims, the sheer stress of the event took a toll on bystanders too. EMS had to treat two other people on-site—one who had fallen in the scramble to get away and another who started having serious trouble breathing as the adrenaline wore off. It was a heavy, heartbreaking afternoon for everyone trapped inside.
By late afternoon, Governor Matt Meyer stepped in to give the public some much-needed answers. He confirmed that the shooter had been killed, ending the immediate threat to the neighborhood. “Law enforcement acted swiftly to secure the scene,” Meyer said, trying to settle the nerves of a city on edge. While the shooter is dead, the identities of those involved haven’t been officially released yet as investigators work through the details.
The fallout from the violence was felt immediately across the state. The Wilmington DMV was shut down instantly, and by 3:00 p.m., officials made the call to close every single DMV location in Delaware. For now, anyone needing a permit or a tag is being told to head over to the Delaware City location once things settle down. The area around Hessler Boulevard and parts of Route 13 stayed locked down for hours as investigators combed the pavement for evidence.
Local leaders, including Congresswoman Sarah McBride, were quick to share their heartbreak over the incident. McBride mentioned she’s been in constant contact with state officials, keeping the “brave law enforcement officers” in her prayers. There is a real sense of somber gratitude for the police who ran toward the danger, even as reports circulated that at least one officer may have suffered a serious injury during the confrontation.
As the sun sets on a very dark day in New Castle County, the investigation is still considered “active and fluid.” Police are asking everyone to stay vigilant and keep clear of the Hessler Boulevard area while they finish their work. It’s a tragic reminder of how quickly a normal day can change, leaving a community waiting for answers and hoping for the recovery of those caught in the crossfire.
