A horrific shooting at an ice hockey arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has left two people dead and three others in critical condition, with reports indicating a father allegedly targeted his own family during a high school tournament. The incident, which unfolded at Lynch Arena on Monday afternoon, has sent shockwaves through the local community and sparked a major police investigation.
Chaos Erupts During School Hockey Tournament
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. on February 16, 2026, while the arena was hosting matches for several local schools. According to eyewitness accounts and livestream footage, approximately eleven gunshots rang out, causing terrified spectators and players to dive to the floor and seek cover in a scene of utter chaos.
Distressing videos shared online show players squeezing out of the penalty box, ditching their skates, and jumping over the rink's barrier to rush to changing rooms for safety. The livestream captured the precise moment panic set in as people began fleeing the stands after hearing the shots.
Father Allegedly Targets Family in Dispute
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that the suspect was found dead at the scene from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. While police have not officially confirmed the victims' relationship to the alleged gunman, multiple reports indicate the shooter was a father who fired at his wife and three children due to a family dispute.
One victim, believed to be a young girl, was found dead inside the arena alongside the shooter. Another person succumbed to injuries at the hospital, while the three remaining victims are all fighting for their lives in critical condition. Investigators have described the shooting as a targeted incident that may stem from domestic conflict.
Heroic Intervention and Community Response
Amid the tragedy, there are reports of a spectator being branded a hero for attempting to disarm the alleged attacker. However, witnesses claim the shooter had another weapon, complicating rescue efforts. The shooting prompted immediate lockdowns in the surrounding area, with a nearby Walgreens pharmacy evacuating and sheltering panicked individuals who fled the arena.
Mayor Don Grebien called the shooting "tragic" but emphasized it was "an isolated incident," with authorities confirming they are not searching for any additional suspects. Local schools, including Coventry Public Schools, Providence Country Day, and St. Raphael Academy, have confirmed all their student athletes have been accounted for and none were injured.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed his concern in a social media post, stating: "We are actively monitoring the shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket. I just spoke with Mayor Grebien as well as Rhode Island State Police who are working with local law enforcement. I am praying for Pawtucket and everyone involved."
The investigation continues as authorities piece together the events leading up to the shooting, examining evidence from the scene and interviewing witnesses. The incident has raised questions about security at public sporting events and highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence spilling into public spaces.
Community members have gathered near the arena to mourn the victims, with many expressing disbelief that such violence could occur during a school sporting event. Counseling services have been offered to those affected by the trauma, as the small city of Pawtucket grapples with the aftermath of this family tragedy turned public horror.
