Two people were tragically killed and three others critically injured in a shooting at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Monday afternoon, according to police. The incident, which occurred at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, appears to have been a targeted attack stemming from a family dispute, as confirmed by Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves. The suspect is also deceased, having apparently inflicted a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Federal agents from the ATF and FBI responded to assist state and local law enforcement at the scene.
The shooting sent shockwaves through the community, with a hockey player recounting his harrowing experience of hiding in the locker room as shots were fired. The incident also affected families, such as Melissa Dunn, whose son is a sophomore goalie on one of the teams. Dunn described the moment she ran back into the arena to find her son, only to witness first responders performing CPR in the stands.
Rhode Island State Rep. Cherie Cruz confirmed that multiple schools in the area were participating in the senior night hockey game when the shooting took place. Coventry Public Schools and Providence Country Day have assured the safety of their students and staff. The Coventry boys' hockey team was playing at the rink at the time of the incident.
The tragedy has prompted prayers and support from local officials, including Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, who expressed his condolences and solidarity with the community. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
