Wilmington DMV Shooting Suspect Identified as Avery Young; Trooper Killed

Authorities identified the suspect involved in the fatal shooting at a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles facility in Wilmington as 44-year-old Avery Young.

Officials said Young was the individual who opened fire during the incident, which resulted in the death of a responding Delaware State Trooper as well as Young’s own death.

Authorities noted that the identifying information released at this stage is part of the preliminary factual record of the ongoing investigation.

Police reported that another Delaware State Trooper sustained a minor injury that was not caused by gunfire.

In addition, a 40-year-old woman was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries that were not related to gunfire.

Officials also said a 35-year-old woman was evaluated at the scene for shortness of breath but declined transportation to the hospital.

According to Delaware State Police, the shooting occurred Tuesday afternoon at the DMV located on Hessler Boulevard in the Minquadale area of New Castle County.

Initial reports described an active shooter situation, prompting a rapid and large-scale response from local, county, and state law enforcement agencies, along with fire and emergency medical personnel.

Governor Matt Meyer confirmed in a public statement that law enforcement officers “acted swiftly to secure the scene” and that the suspect was pronounced dead.

Police later confirmed that a Delaware State Trooper was killed in the line of duty during the confrontation.

Emergency radio communications indicated that shortly after 2:00 p.m., command staff reported two individuals down at the scene.

Emergency medical services advised that CPR was being administered to two patients, one of whom was believed to be the shooter.

Subsequent updates clarified that there were two primary trauma patients involved in the incident.

Additional non-trauma medical responses were also recorded, including assistance for one individual who had fallen and another who experienced breathing difficulties during the incident.

The Delaware Department of Justice released a statement through spokesperson Mat Marshall, stating that the Attorney General is in direct communication with Delaware State Police and Governor Meyer.

Senior prosecutors were dispatched to the scene on Hessler Boulevard to assist with the investigation.

The department said it would defer to Delaware State Police regarding the release of investigative details and requested patience from the public and media as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The statement also expressed support for the Delaware State Police and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, noting that prayers are with the law enforcement community.

As a result of the incident, the Wilmington DMV location on Hessler Boulevard remains closed until further notice.

All services at that facility have been suspended, and residents are being directed to the Delaware City DMV for motor vehicle services.

Hessler Boulevard remained closed for an extended period, and portions of Route 13 south of Interstate 495 were temporarily shut down as police activity continued. Authorities urged motorists and residents to avoid the area.

Officials have not yet released detailed information regarding what led up to the shooting.

The investigation remains active, and authorities stated that additional information will be provided as it becomes available.