Dover, Delaware — The Dover Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Sunday morning on May 4, 2025, which resulted in the tragic death of 22-year-old Hassan Perry from Kent County. The shooting took place outside McGlynn’s Pub, located at 800 North State Street in Dover. The violence left Perry and another individual—21-year-old male, also from Dover—with multiple gunshot wounds, sending shockwaves through the local community.

Officers arrived on the scene just after 1:11 a.m. and discovered both Perry and his companion suffering from gunshot wounds to their upper bodies. Emergency medical personnel quickly transported both men to Bayhealth Kent Campus for treatment, but despite efforts to save him, Perry succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The second victim, whose identity has not been released, is reported to have survived the shooting, although further details about his condition have not been disclosed.

The shooting occurred in the parking lot of McGlynn’s Pub, a popular establishment in the area. Preliminary investigation reveals that Perry and the 21-year-old male were standing in a group outside the pub when an unknown suspect or suspects opened fire on the group. As of now, the motive for the attack remains unclear, and the Dover Police Department has not identified any suspects.

The Scene of the Crime: McGlynn’s Pub and the Community

McGlynn’s Pub, a popular bar and restaurant in Dover, is a well-known establishment frequented by both locals and visitors. It’s situated in a busy area near the intersection of North State Street, which is a hub of activity in Dover. The pub is typically seen as a social space where people come together to enjoy drinks, food, and live entertainment. Unfortunately, this peaceful setting was shattered by the sudden violence of a shooting that left one young man dead and another injured.

Dover, the capital of Delaware, is a small city with a population of just over 37,000 people. While the city is generally considered a safe place, the shooting outside McGlynn’s Pub has raised concerns about rising violence in the area. With its relatively low crime rate compared to larger urban centers, Dover is not accustomed to the kind of violence that occurred that night, making the death of Hassan Perry all the more jarring for the community.

The pub’s proximity to residential areas and its position as a social gathering point makes the incident even more alarming. It brings into focus the potential dangers that can arise even in what are typically considered safe, social spaces. The shooting has left many in the community questioning the safety of public spaces and wondering what can be done to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.

Victims of the Shooting: Hassan Perry and the Unidentified 21-Year-Old

Hassan Perry, a 22-year-old man from Dover, was just starting to make his mark on the world. Described by friends and family as a young man with a bright future ahead of him, Perry’s untimely death has left those who knew him devastated. Perry was a beloved son, friend, and member of the community. His tragic death has been felt deeply by those close to him, who are now left to mourn a life cut short by senseless violence.

The second victim, a 21-year-old male also from Dover, was injured in the shooting but was fortunate enough to survive. Little is known about his identity at this time, as he has not been publicly named by the authorities. What is clear, however, is that the traumatic experience of being involved in a shooting has left him with injuries that will likely have long-lasting physical and emotional consequences.

Both men were reportedly standing in a group outside McGlynn’s Pub when the shots rang out. The details surrounding what led up to the shooting are still unclear. Investigators have not provided any information about the nature of the altercation, if any, that might have occurred prior to the gunfire. However, the randomness of the violence has left many in the community shaken, particularly as it occurred in a public space and appeared to be an attack on individuals simply enjoying their evening.

The Investigation: No Leads, No Arrests

The Dover Police Department is actively pursuing all investigative avenues, but as of now, there have been no arrests or solid leads in the case. The department is calling for the public’s help and has urged anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has any relevant information to come forward. Investigators are also looking for anyone who may have video footage from the area at the time of the shooting that could aid in identifying the suspect or suspects involved.

Sheriff Colleen M. O’Neill of the Dover Police Department has made several public appeals for information, stressing that even the smallest piece of information could be crucial in solving the case. “We are actively working with the community to get answers in this tragic situation,” she said. “This is an ongoing investigation, and we are doing everything we can to find justice for Mr. Perry and to bring those responsible to account.”

In the absence of leads, the department is also working with Delaware Crime Stoppers, an organization that allows citizens to report tips anonymously. The public can contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or submit tips online at the official website. Despite the community’s help, investigators have yet to identify any suspects, and the motive behind the shooting remains a mystery.

The Impact of Gun Violence in Delaware

The shooting of Hassan Perry brings attention to the broader issue of gun violence in Delaware. While Delaware is not typically associated with the high levels of gun violence seen in larger cities like Chicago or Philadelphia, it has not been immune to the growing problem of gun-related crime.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, there has been a noticeable increase in gun violence in Delaware over the past several years, with both homicides and non-fatal shootings rising steadily. In 2024, Delaware saw a 10% increase in the number of gun-related deaths compared to the previous year. This trend mirrors what is happening across the United States, where gun violence has become an escalating issue in many cities, both large and small.

One factor contributing to this rise in gun violence may be the increasing availability of firearms, which has made it easier for individuals to access weapons without adequate background checks or proper training. In Delaware, as in many other states, the debate over gun control and the balance between Second Amendment rights and public safety continues to be a hot-button issue.

The tragedy in Dover highlights the unpredictability of gun violence and its ability to strike anywhere, even in typically quiet and safe communities. It raises questions about how to better prevent these kinds of incidents and how communities can work together to address the root causes of gun violence.

Community Response: Mourning and Seeking Justice

The tragic death of Hassan Perry has left a deep wound in the Dover community, where he was known and loved by many. In the days following his death, local residents have come together to mourn the loss of a young man with so much potential. Memorials, candlelight vigils, and online tributes have poured in from across the community, all expressing sorrow at the loss of someone so young and full of promise.

Local officials, including Dover’s mayor and state representatives, have also spoken out about the tragedy, offering condolences to Perry’s family and pledging support for the investigation. “Our hearts go out to the family of Hassan Perry,” said Mayor Robin Christiansen. “This was a senseless act of violence, and we stand with the community as we work to find justice for him.”

At the same time, community leaders are calling for greater efforts to prevent gun violence in Dover and across the state. Many have pointed to the need for stronger gun control laws, better community policing, and programs aimed at reducing violence in neighborhoods.

Looking Forward: Preventing Further Tragedies

As the investigation continues, many in Dover are hoping for justice and answers. The tragic loss of a young life has brought the community together, but it has also raised important questions about safety, gun violence, and the ability of law enforcement to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

Experts in criminal justice and public safety stress the importance of community engagement in preventing violence. They suggest that law enforcement, local governments, and community organizations need to work together to address the underlying causes of violence, such as poverty, lack of education, and easy access to firearms. By creating stronger support systems for at-risk individuals and offering alternatives to violence, communities can begin to reduce the number of gun-related incidents.

In the case of Hassan Perry, the investigation is still ongoing, and his family is left grieving the loss of their beloved son. His death serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities.

Conclusion: A Life Cut Short, a Community Left Searching for Answers

The tragic death of Hassan Perry, a 22-year-old man with a bright future, has left the Dover community in mourning. The senseless violence that claimed his life highlights the broader issue of gun violence and its impact on communities, even in smaller cities like Dover. As the investigation continues, residents hope for justice and answers, while also reflecting on the need for stronger efforts to prevent future tragedies.

Hassan’s story, while heartbreaking, serves as a reminder of the need for greater community involvement in addressing violence, as well as the importance of coming together in times of grief. As Dover grapples with this senseless act, the memory of Hassan Perry will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. The quest for justice continues, and the hope for a safer future remains strong.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130, or anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.