A Delaware state trooper and the suspect are dead after a shooting at the DMV in Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday, officials say.

Delaware State Police confirmed that one trooper died, and Gov. Matt Meyer said on social media that the suspect is dead.

A 44-year-old man entered the Division of Motor Vehicles as a customer before approaching the trooper, who was working an overtime assignment at the reception desk, and shot him, Cpl. Raushan Rich said during a press conference Tuesday night. After being shot, the trooper, who has not been identified, pushed a DMV employee out of harm's way. The suspect then shot the trooper again, Rich said.

Multiple police agencies responded to the scene, and a New Castle County police officer confronted and shot the suspect. The suspect was taken to a hospital, where he died, Rich said. The trooper who was shot was also taken to an area hospital and later died.

A 40-year-old woman was taken to an area hospital for a minor, non-gunshot-related injury, police said on X. A second state trooper was evaluated for a minor, non-gunshot-related injury at the scene, and a 35-year-old woman was checked for shortness of breath but was not taken to the hospital, according to police.

The shooting happened around 2 p.m., Rich said.

Flags have been lowered to half-staff to honor the trooper, officials said.

In a statement, Delaware Secretary of Transportation Shanté Hastings said more than 50 employees were working during the shooting. All four Delaware DMV location will be closed Wednesday to allow employees to process the tragedy, the statement says.

"Tonight, we grieve the loss of a Delaware State Trooper who was killed at the Karen L. Johnson DMV facility south of Wilmington," Hastings' statment read in part. "Thanks to the bravery of our law enforcement officers, further loss of life was prevented."

Trooper remembered as hero

Delaware State Police Superintendent Col. William D. Crotty said the trooper was a husband, father and coach. 

"His life was cut short by senseless violence," Crotty said. "His last actions were that of a hero, a hero who saved lives today while sacrificing his own."

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer called the trooper "a hero who gave his life in the line of duty."

"There are Delawareans who are alive tonight because of his heroism," Meter said.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents are assisting Delaware State Police with the investigation, according to a post by ATF on social media.

Community reacts to tragedy

Members of the community lined the road Tuesday night as a procession of law enforcement and first responders honored the slain trooper.

"I thought it was a really beautiful way for them to pay their respects," Benjamin Mullen said. Mullen watched the procession and captured some photos.

Others showed their support in different ways. Michael Cardile Sr. said he brought hoagies and other food to police in Troop 6.

"No one really realizes what they go through until something like this happens, and it really hit me, it hit me and my family," said Cardile, the father of a New Castle County detective. "It's just a tragedy."

Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester said in a statement that it was a tragic day for Delaware. 

"The shooting at the Division of Motor Vehicles on Hessler Boulevard that took the life of a Delaware State Trooper and caused pain for so many others is devastating," Rochester said in part. "The holiday season should be about joy and celebration, not senseless acts of violence. I am thankful for the swift and courageous action by law enforcement who worked immediately to counter the threat."

In a statement, Sen. Chris Coons said he was heartbroken by the shooting. "This officer put on their uniform this morning and went to work to make our community safer. Now, they will never come home. This is devastating for their family, their fellow officers, and our entire state," Coons said in part.