Updated Dec. 23, 2025, 2:49 p.m. ET
An active shooter at the Wilmington Division of Motor Vehicles near New Castle has prompted the closure of the center mid-afternoon on Tuesday, Dec. 23 and the response of many Delaware police officers.
Delaware State Police posted on X about the active shooter and said more updates are to follow.
All people in need of motor vehicle services are being directed to the DMV location in Delaware City, per the state’s website.
Active shooter draws huge emergency response
Though few details were available as of 2:45 p.m., dozens of police and first responder vehicles crowded Hessler Boulevard where the DMV is located.
The DMV technically falls under the Delaware State Police jurisdiction, and with troopers routinely stationed at the DMV for security, their vehicles were easy to spot. Others include the Delaware River and Bay Authority, New Castle County Police, as well as fire companies from across the county and beyond, along with paramedic units.
Police officers in tactical gear could be seen walking toward the DMV Tuesday afternoon.
Video footage shows officers responding inside DMV
Video footage streaming inside the DMV showed officers moving about inside the division about 2:25 p.m. on Dec. 23. The surveillance video is typically used as a way to gauge how busy the DMV location is.
State police troopers are usually stationed at the DMV locations for security purposes, but the number of officers seen on camera were well above what is typical at the location.
This is a developing story. Check back with Delaware Online for more updates.