Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is reeling after a shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a high school hockey game left two individuals dead and three others critically injured. The tragic incident unfolded on what was meant to be a celebratory night for student-athletes from the Blackstone Valley Schools cooperative team competing against a team from Coventry-Johnston.
Mayor Donald Grebien expressed his condolences in a statement late Monday, describing the shooting as “a terrible tragedy.” He emphasized the profound sadness felt by the community, stating, “Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning.” The mayor assured residents that law enforcement and the attorney general’s office are actively investigating the incident while urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid the area.
Witness accounts from the arena painted a chaotic scene. Melissa Dunn, the mother of a sophomore goalie, spoke of her harrowing experience upon realizing something was wrong. Initially mistaking the noise for players colliding with the boards, she soon understood the gravity of the situation. As she screamed for her son and attempted to locate him, she saw first responders administering CPR amidst the panic.
High school player Olin Lawrence described the fear he felt while hiding in the locker room after hearing the shots. “We pressed against the door and just tried to stay safe down in there. It was a lot of shots,” he recounted, highlighting the immediate fear that blanketed those present.
Local authorities confirmed that the gunfire may have stemmed from a family dispute, with a suspect also confirmed dead from an apparent self-inflicted injury. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves stated that they are piecing together the circumstances of the event and are currently investigating the motive behind the shooting.
In the wake of the incident, both Coventry Public Schools and Providence Country Day School reported that all their students were accounted for and safe. Providence Country Day’s head of schools expressed deep sadness over the event, assuring the community that support services will be available for students and staff in need.
Local and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are assisting in the investigation. FBI officials reiterated that there is no ongoing threat to public safety but urged people to stay clear of the area for the time being.
As investigators continue to gather information, Governor Dan McKee expressed his support for the Pawtucket community, stating he is praying for all those affected. Education officials and law enforcement continue to coordinate support and reunification efforts for students and families impacted by this tragic event, as the city grapples with the aftermath of a night that turned from celebration to tragedy.