Three Dead in Targeted Shooting at Rhode Island High School Hockey Game
A routine high school hockey match in Rhode Island turned into a scene of terror and tragedy on Monday evening when a gunman opened fire inside an ice rink, leaving three people dead and three others fighting for their lives in critical condition. The shooting occurred at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, just north of Providence, where families and students had gathered to watch a boys' high school hockey game.
Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly at Family Event
According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, the shooting appears to have been "a targeted event" that "may be a family dispute." Authorities believe the violence stemmed from a domestic conflict, with the suspected gunman intentionally targeting family members who were attending the game. The suspect, identified as a father who may have been dressed in women's clothing at the time of the attack, is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police confirmed that three people, including the suspect, lost their lives in the incident. Three additional victims were rushed to local hospitals and remain in critical condition as medical teams work to stabilize them. The shooting occurred shortly after the start of the first period, transforming what should have been a celebratory sporting event into a nightmare for everyone present.
Chaos and Panic Inside the Arena
Witnesses described scenes of utter chaos as multiple gunshots echoed through the arena. Players reportedly fled the ice in full hockey gear, while spectators ducked for cover and scrambled toward exits in a desperate attempt to escape the violence. Unverified social media clips circulating online appear to show players diving for cover as the sound of gunfire fills the air.
Outside the arena, tearful families embraced one another as police sealed off surrounding roads and helicopters circled overhead. The schools involved in the game confirmed that all students who were on the ice at the time of the shooting were safe, with officials noting that the violence appeared to involve spectators rather than players.
Official Response and Investigation
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said he was closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with local law enforcement agencies. The FBI's Boston office confirmed it was ready to assist with the investigation and stated there was no ongoing threat to the community following the incident.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien called the shooting "very tragic," noting that "these are high school kids... a fun time, and it turned into this." Investigators are currently reviewing video footage from inside the arena and interviewing witnesses to piece together the exact sequence of events.
This tragic incident comes less than two months after a separate gun violence episode in Rhode Island, though officials have confirmed the two events are not connected. The community now faces the difficult task of healing from a shooting that has shattered the sense of safety typically associated with high school sporting events.
