The quiet of a Dover Sunday morning was shattered by gunfire that claimed the life of 22-year-old Hassan Perry, a young man whose death has left a community grappling with grief and unanswered questions. At approximately 1:11 a.m. on May 4, 2025, the Dover Police Department responded to reports of shots fired in the parking lot of McGlynn’s Pub, a popular local establishment at 800 North State Street. What officers found upon arrival was a scene of chaos and tragedy: two young men, Perry and a 21-year-old companion, both Dover residents, lay wounded, each struck multiple times in the upper body by bullets from an unknown assailant. Despite the swift response of emergency medical personnel, who rushed both victims to Bayhealth Kent Campus, Perry’s injuries proved fatal. The second victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, remains under medical care, though updates on his condition have not been released.
The investigation into this senseless act of violence paints a picture of a sudden and unprovoked attack. According to police, Perry and the other victim were standing among a large group outside McGlynn’s Pub when one or more suspects opened fire. The hail of bullets struck the two men, scattering the crowd and leaving behind a community in shock. As of now, no suspects have been identified, and the motive for the shooting remains unclear. Investigators are combing through evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing any available surveillance footage in hopes of piecing together the events that led to this tragedy. The Dover Police Department has emphasized that the investigation is active and ongoing, with every resource being deployed to bring those responsible to justice.
For the residents of Dover, a city of roughly 39,000, the loss of Hassan Perry marks yet another wound in a year already marred by violence. This incident follows a troubling pattern, with local reports noting that Dover has seen a rise in shootings in recent years. The city recorded 15 shooting victims in 2024 alone, tying the total from the previous year and marking the highest number of homicides since 2020, when nine lives were lost. Perry’s death, the latest in this grim tally, has reignited conversations about public safety and the need for community-driven solutions to curb gun violence. McGlynn’s Pub, a longstanding fixture known for its lively atmosphere, now finds itself at the center of a somber narrative, with patrons and neighbors mourning the violence that unfolded in its parking lot.
The Dover Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could prove critical. Witnesses or those with knowledge of the incident are asked to contact the department directly at (302) 736-7130. For those preferring anonymity, Delaware Crime Stoppers offers a confidential tip line at 1-800-TIP-3333 and an online portal at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, with the possibility of a cash reward for information leading to an arrest. As the investigation presses on, the department has assured the public that it is committed to pursuing every lead, determined to deliver answers to a grieving family and a shaken community.
Hassan Perry’s life was cut short in an instant, but his memory endures in the hearts of those who knew him. Friends and family have begun sharing tributes, describing him as a vibrant young man with dreams and a warm presence. As Dover mourns, the call for justice grows louder, with hopes that those responsible will be held accountable. In the meantime, the city holds its breath, waiting for clarity in the face of tragedy and seeking solace in the promise of unity and resilience.