【Breaking News on December 31, 2025】On December 29, 2025, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced that they would pay off the entire mortgage of the late Delaware police officer Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, who was tragically killed by gunfire.
34-year-old Snook was shot and killed around 2 p.m. on December 23, just two days before Christmas, while working overtime at the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles in Wilmington. The shooter, 44-year-old Wilmington resident Rahman Rose, entered the DMV posing as a customer, approached Snook from behind, and shot him with a handgun. Despite being shot, Snook bravely pushed a DMV employee away in his final moments, protecting them from further harm before succumbing to his injuries, showing remarkable courage. The shooter then fired several more shots at Snook.
The gunman allowed customers in the building to leave and stayed on-site, waiting to ambush arriving police officers. As rescue units approached the building, the shooter fired several shots at them. A Newcastle County officer spotted the gunman and neutralized him through a window from outside the DMV.
Snook, who left behind a wife and a one-year-old daughter, had served as a Delaware police officer for 10 years, graduated from the University of Maryland, and was a former member of the wrestling team.
In addition to Snook’s tragic death, three other individuals were injured in the shooting incident. A state trooper who arrived at the scene sustained minor non-gunshot injuries and did not require hospitalization; a 40-year-old woman with minor non-gunshot injuries was taken to a local hospital; a 35-year-old woman with breathing difficulties received medical attention but declined hospitalization.
This deliberate attack on law enforcement officers has sparked strong nationwide reactions, with people expressing respect for the daily risks and heroic actions undertaken by law enforcement personnel. The tragedy has also spurred heartwarming acts of support, including Tunnel to Towers Foundation Chairman and CEO Frank Siller’s generous pledge to pay off the Snook family’s entire mortgage before the new year as a tribute to the fallen hero. Siller stated, “Sergeant Snook’s final act wasn’t to save himself but to save others in distress. Tunnel to Towers Foundation is honored to stand with his family to ensure that his courage, selflessness, and heroism will never be forgotten.”
Delaware GOP Chairman Gene Truono also expressed deep sorrow for Snook, saying, “His selfless dedication epitomizes the highest ideals of serving our community.” He added, “We stand firmly for humanity – upholding the dignity of every life and supporting those who defend life; serving the community – praising those who put responsibilities above personal safety; maintaining community safety – tirelessly fighting to protect families from fear; and honoring America – revering the patriotism and sacrifice of our nation’s bravest.”
Police1.com and Officer.com have highlighted Snook’s reliability, and the community has rallied around his family through candlelight vigils and fundraisers.
According to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, paying off the Snook family’s mortgage will be the first of 343 mortgages planned for repayment in 2026 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks and the 343 New York City Fire Department members who died that day. Founded in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, the foundation’s mission of “Doing Good” provides mortgage-free homes for families of fallen servicemen and emergency responders with young children, constructs specially adapted smart homes for severely injured veterans and first responders. The foundation also strives to end veteran homelessness and help America never forget September 11, 2001, forever.