Pawtucket, Rhode Island—A shooting during a high school ice hockey game left at least two people dead and three others in critical condition. The suspected shooter, who reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, opened fire at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Monday afternoon, according to local authorities.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves described the incident as potentially targeted, suggesting a familial dispute may have played a role. Details about the identities of the victims and the suspect have not been disclosed as investigators continue to piece together the series of events that led to the shooting.
Emergency calls began flooding in around 2:28 p.m. local time, just as the match was underway. Video footage analyzed by investigators captured the sound of rapid gunfire, with an initial burst of approximately 13 shots fired within six seconds before a final shot pierced the air moments later.
Witnesses described panic erupting among the crowd as the chaos unfolded. Attendees, including students and families celebrating Senior Night, quickly sought shelter, some dropping to the ground or rushing toward the exits in a bid to escape the violence.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien expressed his condolences, stating that the event should have been a memorable celebration, filled with joy and community support. “Our prayers go out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating incident,” he said in a statement.
In response to the shooting, the FBI’s Boston Division dispatched agents to assist with the investigation. This latest incident of gun violence occurs just two months after a separate shooting at Brown University, located nearby, which resulted in two student fatalities and multiple injuries.
Pawtucket, a city of approximately 75,000 residents, is known as Rhode Island’s fourth-largest municipality. The hockey community, typically a source of camaraderie and local pride, is now grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.
As authorities continue to investigate, there remains a pressing concern over gun violence in the region, prompting calls for renewed discussions on safety measures at public events and the underlying issues surrounding such incidents. The local community is left to mourn and process the impact of this harrowing day.